potential energy

American  

[puh-ten-shuhl en-er-jee] / pəˈtɛn ʃəl ˈɛn ər dʒi /

noun

Physics.

1. the energy of a body or a system with respect to the position of the body or the arrangement of the particles of the system.

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potential energy British  

noun

1.  Ep.   V.   U.   φ.   PE.  the energy of a body or system as a result of its position in an electric, magnetic, or gravitational field. It is measured in joules (SI units), electronvolts, ergs, etc

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potential energy Scientific  

1. The energy possessed by a body as a result of its position or condition rather than its motion. A raised weight, coiled spring, or charged battery has potential energy.

2. Compare kinetic energy

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potential energy Cultural  

1. The energy an object has because of its position, rather than its motion. An object held in a person's hand has potential energy, which turns to kinetic energy — the energy of motion — when the person lets it go, and it drops to the ground.

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Etymology

Origin of potential energy

First recorded in 1850–55

Compare meaning

How does potential-energy compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• kinetic energy vs. potential energy
• kinetic vs. potential energy

Example Sentences

That and a spike in natural-gas prices have global markets on edge, fearing a potential energy shock.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

He noted that Westwood this year has already looked at potential energy continuation funds with assets totaling $800 million.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

Trapped in underground rocks, a potential energy resource has eluded generations of British politicians.

From BBC • Aug. 25, 2025

“Kind of under the assumption of how do we maximize potential energy creation while minimizing room for error.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2024

I'm playing along because this isn't one of Dad's usual lectures, like where he sucks all the fun out of a roller coaster by talking about g-forces and potential energy.

From "Things Not Seen" by Andrew Clements