# kilowatt

/ˈkɪɫəˌwɑt/ (US) · /kˈɪləwˌɒt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/kilowatt
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

a unit used to measure how much power an electrical device uses. One kilowatt is equal to 1,000 watts.

For teachers: a unit of power equal to 1,000 watts. It measures the rate at which energy is consumed or produced by an electrical system.

## Examples

- The new electric heater uses one kilowatt of power.
- The factory's energy bill is calculated based on how many kilowatts of electricity they use each month.
- While the engine's peak output is measured in horsepower, the electrical system's capacity is defined by how many kilowatts it can safely deliver to the motor.

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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.