Definition

A measure of electrical power, usually expressed in watts or kilowatts, that indicates how much energy an appliance or device uses.

Example

The wattage of the light bulb determines how bright it will be.

Conversation

Hey, do you know what the wattage of this light bulb is?

I think it's around 60 watts, but I’m not sure.

I need to check the wattage before buying a new one.

Good idea! It can really affect your electricity bill.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Wattage → The word is derived from 'watt' (named after James Watt, the Scottish inventor and mechanical engineer) and the suffix '-age' (meaning a collection or state of). Thus, 'wattage' refers to the state or amount of power measured in watts.

Memory Tip

Think of 'watt' as the name of the inventor who helped us understand power, and '-age' indicating a measure or state. So, 'wattage' helps you remember the amount of power we measure in watts.

Visually Confused Words