Jump To:

• dynamo
  dynamo

  noun

  an electric generator, especially for direct current.
• dynamo-
  dynamo-

  variant of dyna-.

dynamo

¹ American  

[dahy-nuh-moh] / ˈdaɪ nəˌmoʊ /

noun

• dynamos
  plural

1. an electric generator, especially for direct current.

2. an energetic, hardworking, forceful person.

---

dynamo- ² American  

Also dynam-.

1. variant of dyna-.

   dynamometer.

---

dynamo- ¹ British  

combining form

1. indicating power

   dynamoelectric

   dynamite

---

dynamo ² British  

/ ˈdaɪnəˌməʊ /

noun

1. a device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, esp one that produces direct current Compare generator

2. informal an energetic hard-working person

---

dynamo Scientific  

/ dī′nə-mō′ /

1. An electric generator, especially one that produces direct current.

2. See more at generator

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• dynamos
  plural

Etymology

Origin of dynamo

First recorded in 1882; short for dynamoelectric

Explanation

A dynamo creates energy. It’s short for "dynamoelectric machine," which is a generator that cranks out electric currents. If someone calls you a dynamo, don’t get mad, it just means you’re energetic. The word dynamo comes from the Greek dynamis for "power." Boom! It’s like dynamite! The inventor of the dynamo-electric machine knew that when he named the device that turns mechanical power into electric current. Dynamos have been used to make power since the 1800’s. Since dynamo is such a snappy name, it’s often used to describe high-energy people, too. Is your room a disaster? Call an organizing dynamo to help you clean it up.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

dynamo dynamos

This summer, Slegers has strengthened her hand with seven new players, including full-back Ona Batlle, Caldentey's compatriot, and England dynamo Georgia Stanway to stiffen midfield.

From BBC ● Aug. 7, 2026

That passionate avowal is delivered, in the 1986 classic “Sherman’s March,” by southern dynamo and self-appointed matchmaker Charleen Swansea.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026

This flipping is thought to be driven by the "dynamo action" of molten iron circulating in Earth's core, which generates electrical currents and magnetic fields.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 21, 2026

Although it can be loosely compared to the motion of a spinning conductor in a bicycle dynamo, the true processes driving the field are far more complicated.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 25, 2026

After surveying the ground, Snowball declared that this was just the place for a windmill, which could be made to operate a dynamo and supply the farm with electrical power.

From "Animal Farm: A Fairy Story" by George Orwell

Scientists have studied magnetic dynamos, the processes that generate magnetic fields, for roughly 70 years.

From Science Daily ● May 26, 2026

The electric motor was a familiar concept even for Rolls-Royce founders: Henry Royce’s first venture, named F. H. Royce and Company, created dynamos, electric crane motors, and bayonet-style light bulb fitting.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 29, 2021

Franchises are seeking more dynamos — dual-threat quarterbacks whose legs can do damage right along with a powerful throwing arm.

From Washington Post ● Sep. 10, 2021

For a subset of neutron stars, that fluid would churn enough to set in motion something similar to the roiling dynamos that power magnetic fields inside Earth or the Sun.

From Science Magazine ● Apr. 8, 2021

In the assembling room, the dynamos were being put together by two sets of Gamma-Plus dwarfs.

From "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley