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

Unlike Iran's Natanz uranium enrichment facility or the future Arak heavy water nuclear power plant, the Bushehr facility is not considered a proliferation risk.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

In West Virginia, a project to build a gas-fired power plant intended solely to supply a massive data center is facing opposition from many residents concerned about its health and environmental impacts.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

One struck the chimney of a power plant in Auvere, Estonia, while another exploded in the southern Kraslava region of Latvia.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

That followed Israeli strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure near Bushehr, which also hosts Iran's nuclear power plant.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

Marjorie and Mazie Curtis lived in a small cabin built near the power plant, just below the towering dam.

From "100 Sideways Miles" by Andrew Smith

Related Words

• power station
• station