Meaning & use
dynamo
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountabletechnical
A machine that produces electricity from movement, often a small generator.
Grammar: Countable: a dynamo, the dynamo, dynamos.
Patterns
- a dynamo generates electricity
- turn a dynamo
The bicycle's dynamo powers the lights.
The old factory used a dynamo to generate electricity.
A dynamo converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
nouncountableinformalfigurative
A very energetic, forceful, or productive person.
Grammar: Often used in the phrase 'a dynamo of energy' or 'a human dynamo'.
Patterns
- a dynamo of energy
- a human dynamo
She's a dynamo — she never stops working.
He was a dynamo of energy on the dance floor.
The new manager is a dynamo who gets things done.
Word forms
| plural | dynamos |
|---|
Common combinations
- electric dynamo
- The electric dynamo hummed quietly.
- human dynamo
- Our boss is a human dynamo.
- dynamo of energy
- The child was a dynamo of energy.
Synonyms and how they differ
Word family
- dynamoelectric adjective
- Relating to the production of electricity by movement.
Commonly confused: dynamo or dynamite?
dynamo vs dynamite
Dynamite is an explosive; a dynamo is a generator or an energetic person.
Practice
In the sentence 'She is a real dynamo at work,' what does 'dynamo' mean?
Choose one answer.
Here 'dynamo' is used figuratively to describe an energetic, productive person. The other options are either the literal meaning or unrelated.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “dynamo”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.