dynamo
1 Americannoun
plural
dynamos-
an electric generator, especially for direct current.
-
an energetic, hardworking, forceful person.
combining form
noun
-
a device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, esp one that produces direct current Compare generator
-
informal an energetic hard-working person
Etymology
Origin of dynamo
First recorded in 1882; short for dynamoelectric
Explanation
A dynamo creates energy. It’s short for "dynamoelectric machine," which is a generator that cranks out electric currents. If someone calls you a dynamo, don’t get mad, it just means you’re energetic. The word dynamo comes from the Greek dynamis for "power." Boom! It’s like dynamite! The inventor of the dynamo-electric machine knew that when he named the device that turns mechanical power into electric current. Dynamos have been used to make power since the 1800’s. Since dynamo is such a snappy name, it’s often used to describe high-energy people, too. Is your room a disaster? Call an organizing dynamo to help you clean it up.
Vocabulary lists containing dynamo
Name On: Pro Sports Team Names, Part 2
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The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
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We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball
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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.
When David Ellison took the reins of Paramount Skydance just four months ago, he promised to rapidly transform the storied movie studio and television business into a tech-forward dynamo well positioned for growth.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 6, 2025
Aubrey owns Eternal, parent company of food delivery dynamo Zomato, and FSN E-Commerce Ventures, parent of beauty products site Nykaa.
From Barron's • Nov. 20, 2025
She’s excellent in the role, small and vulnerable yet tough and fierce, a pink-clad dynamo who is nevertheless beholden to others.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025
Continuing down the roster, Cronin got to Austin Reaves, the 6-5 dynamo.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 1, 2025
The brooding spirit of the trees surrounded him like the coils of an electric dynamo.
From "The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm" by Nancy Farmer
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.
