power plant

American  

Or powerplant

noun

power plants plural

1. a plant, including engines, dynamos, etc., and the building or buildings necessary for the generation of power, as electric or nuclear power.

2. the machinery for supplying power for a particular mechanical process or operation.

3. the engine, motor, or other power source along with related ignition, transmission, etc., components of a vehicle, aircraft, machine, etc.

---

power plant British  

noun

1. the complex, including machinery, associated equipment, and the structure housing it, that is used in the generation of power, esp electrical power

2. the equipment supplying power to a particular machine or for a particular operation or process

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• power plants
  plural

Etymology

Origin of power plant

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

power plant

The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant -- the only nuclear power plant in the Philippines -- was completed in the 1980s but never launched due to corruption issues and safety concerns.

From Barron's ● Jul. 27, 2026

In the distance, somewhat grayed by atmospheric haze, are the smokestacks and cooling tower of the power plant.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026

The United States expanded its strikes on Iran, targeting provinces around the country including the city of Bushehr, which hosts a nuclear power plant.

From Barron's ● Jul. 20, 2026

When plans by PG&E to build a nuclear power plant at heavenly Bodega Head triggered an uprising.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 11, 2026

Many feared they were putting themselves in mortal danger to save the power plant, but they were determined to protect their families and all the people living in the surrounding towns.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland

Related Words

• power station
• station