dynamo

¹ American  

[dahy-nuh-moh] / ˈdaɪ nəˌmoʊ /

noun

plural

dynamos

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

---

Etymology

Origin of dynamo

First recorded in 1882; short for dynamoelectric

Example Sentences

Yvonne Carvalho, a 5-foot dynamo with oversize black glasses and purple MAC lipstick, greeted the nurse anesthesiologist with a bear hug and questions about her dating life and her daughter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 2025

When David Ellison took the reins of Paramount Skydance just four months ago, he promised to rapidly transform the storied movie studio and television business into a tech-forward dynamo well positioned for growth.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 6, 2025

Aubrey owns Eternal, parent company of food delivery dynamo Zomato, and FSN E-Commerce Ventures, parent of beauty products site Nykaa.

From Barron's • Nov. 20, 2025

Continuing down the roster, Cronin got to Austin Reaves, the 6-5 dynamo.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 1, 2025

Mr. Watras looked pretty perturbed by this news — every teacher in the world has a soft spot for Annette, plus the girl’s a musical dynamo.

From "Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie" by Jordan Sonnenblick