# powered

/ˈpaʊɝd/ (US) · /pˈaʊəd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/powered
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. having an energy source

adjective · CEFR B1

using a specific type of energy to work, like electricity or gas.

For teachers: supplied with mechanical or electrical energy from a specified source; often used in compounds.

- The new model is a battery-powered car that can travel long distances.
- The facility operates several solar-powered generators to ensure that critical systems remain functional during a grid failure.

Usage: Often appears as the second part of a hyphenated compound (e.g., 'steam-powered').

### 2. provided energy to

verb · CEFR B1

gave energy to a machine so it could move or work.

For teachers: supplied a device or vehicle with the necessary energy for operation.

- The old engine powered the entire factory for over fifty years.
- The massive turbines powered the local electrical grid, providing sustainable energy to thousands of nearby households.

### 3. moved with great force

verb · CEFR B2

moved very quickly or with a lot of strength.

For teachers: moved with great speed or force in a specific direction.

- The athlete powered through the final few meters of the race to win.
- The heavy icebreaker powered through the frozen channel, clearing a path for the smaller cargo ships following behind.

## Examples

- The new car is powered by electricity.
- The remote research station is powered entirely by solar panels and wind turbines to minimize its environmental impact.
- Engineers designed a backup system that ensures the hospital remains powered even during a total failure of the municipal electrical grid.

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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.