megawatt: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical/Formal in core meaning; occasionally informal in metaphorical use.
Quick answer
What does “megawatt” mean?
A unit of power equal to one million watts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A unit of power equal to one million watts.
A measure of electrical generating capacity, often used to quantify the output of power plants or the capacity of large industrial equipment. Informally, can refer to a person or thing possessing immense energy or force.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in technical usage. The informal, metaphorical use is slightly more common in American English.
Connotations
Neutral and factual in technical contexts. In metaphorical use, it connotes impressive, unstoppable energy or output.
Frequency
Equally common in technical discourse in both varieties. The metaphorical use is rare overall.
Grammar
How to Use “megawatt” in a Sentence
[Number] megawatts of [power/capacity]a [Number]-megawatt [plant/reactor/farm]generate/produce [Number] megawattsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “megawatt” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not standard as a verb)
American English
- (Not standard as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not standard as an adverb)
American English
- (Not standard as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- The 100-megawatt connection to the grid is now live.
- They proposed a megawatt-scale battery storage facility.
American English
- The city approved a new 250-megawatt gas-fired plant.
- We're looking at megawatt-class generators for the data centre.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in energy sector reports, project proposals, and capacity planning (e.g., 'The new wind farm will add 500 megawatts to the grid.').
Academic
Common in engineering, physics, and environmental science papers discussing energy production and systems.
Everyday
Rare, except in news reports about energy. Metaphorical use is understood but not common.
Technical
The primary register. Precise measurement of power in electrical engineering, power generation, and industrial contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “megawatt”
- Using 'megawatt' to refer to energy consumed (should be megawatt-hour).
- Misspelling as 'megawat' or 'megavatt'.
- Incorrect pluralisation: 'megawatts' (correct), not 'megawatt' for plural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A megawatt (MW) is a unit of power, which is the rate of energy production or use at a given moment. A megawatt-hour (MWh) is a unit of energy, which is the total amount of power used or produced over time (e.g., one megawatt for one hour).
Yes, but only informally and metaphorically. Phrases like 'a megawatt smile' or 'megawatt personality' describe someone with exceptionally bright, powerful, or energetic qualities.
No, it is primarily a technical term. You will encounter it in news about energy, science, and engineering, but not in daily chat unless discussing those topics.
In British English: /ˈmeɡəwɒt/ (MEG-uh-wot). In American English: /ˈmeɡəwɑːt/ (MEG-uh-waht). The first syllable is stressed, and the 'a' in 'watt' differs.
A unit of power equal to one million watts.
Megawatt is usually technical/formal in core meaning; occasionally informal in metaphorical use. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A megawatt smile (informal: a very bright, energetic smile)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of MEGA (meaning huge) + WATT (the unit for a light bulb). A MEGAWATT is a HUGE number of light bulbs' worth of power.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENERGY/OUTPUT IS SIZE (A megawatt is a large amount). PEOPLE/THINGS ARE POWER SOURCES ('She has a megawatt personality').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a 'megawatt'?