energy

noun

EN-ur-jee/ˈɛnəɹd͡ʒi/UKEN-uh-jee/ˈɛnəd͡ʒi/

6 meanings of energy

1
strength to worknouncountable or uncountable
The strength to be active and do things, or in science, the power that makes things move, heat up, or change.
Like the charge in a battery that lets a toy move.
The kids were full of energy after lunch.
Food gives your body energy.
UsageSay full of energy or no energy.
Similarstrength, vigor, vitality
Oppositelethargy, fatigue, weakness
Note
2
universal forcenouncountable or uncountable
The force that makes all movement and activity happen.
Like the wind that pushes every sail forward.
Some thinkers believe a single energy moves everything in the universe.
Ancient teachers spoke of an energy flowing through every living thing.
Similarforce, power, drive, impetus
Note
3
good or bad auranouncountable or uncountable
The feeling or mood that a person or place gives you, like good or bad energy.
Like a smell that fills a room and lingers even after the person leaves.
She said the room had bad energy and wanted to leave.
Crystals are said to hold healing energy.
UsageSay positive energy or negative energy.
Similarvibe, atmosphere, aura, mood, feeling
Note
4
noununcountable
Power such as electricity or gas that we use for heat, light and machines, or the business that sells it.
We use less energy when we dry our clothes outside.
Our energy bill was much higher in January.
Similarpower
Note

Less common meanings

5
game pointsnouncountable or uncountable
Points in a game that show how many actions a player can take.
Like a battery in a game that you must refill to keep playing.
Cast a spell only when you have enough energy left.
In this video game, each spell uses up some of your energy.
Similarmana, stamina
Note
6
noun
The outward actions of something, coming from its inner nature, that other people can see and feel.

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of energy apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

It comes from a Greek word meaning "activity," built from parts meaning "in" and "work." The physics meaning was created by Thomas Young in 1802.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts

Energy derives from a Greek word meaning activity. en.wikipedia.org
The Greek word is built from parts meaning in and work. en.wiktionary.org
Thomas Young coined the physics sense in 1802. en.wiktionary.org