amperage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “amperage” mean?
The strength of an electric current measured in amperes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The strength of an electric current measured in amperes.
The quantitative measure of the flow of electric charge, representing the intensity of current in a circuit.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between UK and US English.
Connotations
Purely technical term with identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both UK and US outside technical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “amperage” in a Sentence
The [device] requires [number] amperage.Check the amperage of [circuit/device].[Device] has a maximum amperage of [number].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in specifications for electrical equipment procurement.
Academic
Common in physics, engineering, and electronics textbooks and research.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Essential term in electrical engineering, circuit design, and appliance manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “amperage”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “amperage”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amperage”
- Using 'amperage' to refer to voltage ('The amperage of this battery is 12V' – incorrect).
- Pronouncing it as /æmˈpɛrɪdʒ/ (emphasis on second syllable).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially yes, but 'amperage' specifically refers to the magnitude or strength of the current, measured in amperes.
It's highly unlikely. You would typically say 'current' or 'amps' (e.g., 'This needs a 20-amp circuit').
Voltage (measured in volts) is the electrical 'pressure' that pushes the current. Amperage (measured in amperes) is the amount or 'flow rate' of the current itself.
It is generally treated as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'high amperage', 'the amperage is sufficient'). You would not typically say 'amperages'.
The strength of an electric current measured in amperes.
Amperage is usually technical/formal in register.
Amperage: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæmpərɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæmpərɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember 'AMPerage' measures current in AMPeres, just like 'voltAGE' measures voltage in volts.
Conceptual Metaphor
ELECTRIC CURRENT IS A FLUID: amperage is the flow rate of this fluid through a pipe (the wire).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'amperage' specifically measure?