# battery

/ˈbætɝi/ (US) · /bˈætəɹi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/battery
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. electrical power source

noun · CEFR A2

a device that stores electricity to power things like phones, cars, or toys.

For teachers: a device consisting of one or more electrochemical cells that convert chemical energy into electrical energy.

- My phone is about to die because the battery is at one percent.
- Modern electric vehicles rely on high-capacity lithium-ion batteries to achieve a range comparable to traditional internal combustion engines.

### 2. a group or series

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

a large group of similar things, especially tests or questions.

For teachers: a coordinated group or series of similar things, often used in the context of psychological or medical testing.

- The doctor ran a battery of tests to find out why I was feeling tired.
- The candidate underwent a rigorous battery of psychological assessments to determine their suitability for the high-pressure role.

### 3. physical attack

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

the crime of hitting or physically hurting another person.

For teachers: the unlawful application of physical force to another person, legally distinct from assault which may only involve a threat.

- The man was arrested and charged with assault and battery after the fight.
- The prosecution struggled to prove battery, as the medical evidence did not conclusively show that the physical contact was non-consensual or harmful.

### 4. artillery unit

noun · CEFR B2

a group of large guns or cannons used together in the army.

For teachers: a unit of artillery weapons, equipment, and personnel organized to function together.

- The battery of cannons was positioned on the hill to defend the harbour.
- The general ordered the battery to cease fire once the enemy's forward positions had been successfully neutralized.

### 5. animal cages

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a set of small cages used to keep many chickens in a small space for their eggs.

For teachers: a series of small, connected cages used for intensive poultry farming.

- Many people prefer to buy free-range eggs instead of those from battery hens.
- Animal welfare groups have long campaigned against the use of battery cages, citing the restricted movement and poor conditions for the birds.

### 6. percussion section

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the section of a marching band that plays the drums.

For teachers: the percussion section of a marching band or drum corps, specifically the instruments carried and played while marching.

- The battery practiced their rhythm in the parking lot before the parade started.
- The judges were particularly impressed by the battery's precision during the complex syncopated movements of the second act.

## Examples

- My phone is dead because the battery is empty.
- The remote control stopped working, so I need to replace the old batteries with new ones.
- Engineers are working to develop a high-capacity battery that can store enough renewable energy to power an entire city during the night.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.