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Meaning & use

battery

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈbætəri/
US/ˈbætəri/

Meanings

  1. nouncountable

    A device that stores chemical energy and converts it into electricity to power things like phones, cars, or torches.

    Grammar: Countable; can be used with 'a' or in the plural: 'a battery', 'two batteries'.

    Patterns

    • a battery for something
    • recharge a battery
    • battery-powered

    My phone battery died, so I couldn't call you.

    This flashlight takes two AA batteries.

    The car won't start because the battery is flat.

  2. noununcountablelegal

    In law, the crime of intentionally touching someone without their consent in a harmful or offensive way.

    Grammar: Uncountable; used without 'a' or plural when referring to the legal offense: 'charged with battery'.

    Patterns

    • charge someone with battery
    • assault and battery
    • commit battery

    He was arrested for assault and battery.

    The charge was reduced from battery to a lesser offense.

    In many places, battery requires actual physical contact.

  3. nouncountable

    A group of similar things or people occurring or arranged together, often in a series.

    Grammar: Countable; often used in fixed phrases like 'a battery of tests'.

    Patterns

    • a battery of something
    • a battery of tests
    • a battery of questions

    The doctor ordered a battery of tests.

    She faced a battery of questions from reporters.

    The new employees underwent a battery of interviews.

Word forms

pluralbatteries

Common combinations

rechargeable battery
I always buy rechargeable batteries to reduce waste.
battery life
The battery life on this laptop is impressive.
assault and battery
He was charged with assault and battery after the fight.
a battery of tests
The athlete had to pass a battery of tests before joining the team.

Synonyms and how they differ

cell
A cell is a single unit that produces electricity, while a battery can consist of multiple cells joined together.
assault
In law, assault is the threat of violence, while battery is the actual physical contact. They are often charged together.

Word family

battery adjective
Used before a noun to describe something powered by a battery, as in 'battery-powered'.

Commonly confused: battery or batter?

battery vs batter

Batter is a liquid mixture for cooking or a baseball player, while battery is the power source or the legal charge.

Practice

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