power plant

American  

Or powerplant

noun

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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of power plant

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

At that point they’re hoping that the virtual power plant can sell power directly into the California energy market.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

The company is still in the process of building its first large-scale commercial power plant and doesn’t generate meaningful revenue.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

"A lot of energy systems, power plants have rubber parts. Everybody's had a garden hose that started leaking because a rubber gasket failed. Now imagine that happening in a power plant or a chemical plant."

From Science Daily • May 13, 2026

He also highlighted South Korea's 5.4-magnitude Pohang quake in November 2017, triggered by water injections at the country's first experimental geothermal power plant.

From Barron's • May 11, 2026

As the power plant is considered a critical water priority, Pete’s request for food and water had to be honored.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Related Words

• power station
• station