alternator
Americannoun
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
According to Firestone, if it stays on, comes on while driving or the car won’t start, it could mean something is wrong with your battery, alternator or vehicle wiring system.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 28, 2022
There was some back and forth about the sickly alternator, and then Peter Derry, 28, offered a solution.
From Washington Post ● Dec. 29, 2018
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
Their clever, but simple design allowed DIYers to create the mini plants from engines, alternators, condensers and scrap material scavenged from Gorazde’s bombed out factories, vehicles and homes.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 20, 2023
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.
