alternator
Americannoun
-
alternators
plural
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of alternator
Explanation
An alternator is a generator that powers a running vehicle's electrical components and maintains the battery's charge. If your car won't start, you might need to replace the battery — or you may have a broken alternator. Alternators are devices that convert mechanical energy, usually rotational force from an engine or turbine, into electrical energy. Alternators get their name from the alternating current (A/C) that they create. They are an essential part of any car, keeping the battery charged and powering the headlights, stereo, and heated seats. Large power generators, yachts, and some trains also rely on alternators to keep their electrical systems running.
Vocabulary lists containing alternator
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
You don’t replace the whole robot any more than you replace your car when the alternator dies.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 14, 2025
It’s charged off the alternator when driving and via an optional 180W solar panel mounted to the roof.
From The Verge ● May 2, 2022
A lengthy change of his alternator belt saved his race and staved off his own startling flirtation with an early playoff exit.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 10, 2021
A few days later, a customer was yelling at Garcia about an alternator when he got a call from his father’s doctor saying the hospital needed to remove his father from life support.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 8, 2021
If it were the alternator, the battery would be dead and the lights wouldn’t come on.
From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner
As gas-powered cars fall out of favor, some auto parts will be rendered obsolete, such as hydraulic-based steering systems and alternators.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 23, 2024
Valeo today repairs one million old products per year, mainly alternators, starters, brakes and clutches.
From Reuters ● Sep. 6, 2023
As an electrician’s mate his duties included maintaining, operating and repairing the battleship’s electrical systems, motors, generators and alternators.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 18, 2022
We can create power through the engines alternators and through the generator.
From Slate ● Jun. 16, 2017
He often prowled through junkyards touching old cars and buying old alternators and carburetors just for the joy of cleaning them up and making them work again.
From "Walk Two Moons" by Sharon Creech
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
