power plant
Americannoun
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a plant, including engines, dynamos, etc., and the building or buildings necessary for the generation of power, as electric or nuclear power.
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the machinery for supplying power for a particular mechanical process or operation.
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the engine, motor, or other power source along with related ignition, transmission, etc., components of a vehicle, aircraft, machine, etc.
noun
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the complex, including machinery, associated equipment, and the structure housing it, that is used in the generation of power, esp electrical power
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the equipment supplying power to a particular machine or for a particular operation or process
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of power plant
First recorded in 1885–90
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As a hypothetical example, the official said that if Iran "behaves", Emirati authorities could build a power plant in Iran, with US blessing.
From BBC • Jun. 17, 2026
It was a notice from an energy company seeking a state air permit to build a power plant.
From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026
The risk of dwindling electricity supplies has caused a spike in the price utilities pay power plant owners to operate on standby during times of extreme demand.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026
The new rules should be a welcome development for the power plant companies, leading to lucrative data-center agreements.
From Barron's • May 20, 2026
A nuclear power plant that is humming along properly contains its radiation in the reactor.
From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
