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Glite Dictionary
power point

power point

2.6
A wall socket where you plug devices to get electricity
  • noun
  • /ˈpaʊər pɔɪnt/
  • Australian
translation icon : enchufe
  • The vacuum cleaner wouldn't work until I plugged it into the power point.

Examples

  • Don't overload the power point with too many appliances at once.

  • She checked that every power point in the office was switched off before leaving.

  • There is a power point near the desk.

  • Can you show me where the power points are?

  • Make sure to plug the lamp into the power point to light up the room.

  • I need to find a power point to charge my phone during the meeting.

  • The extension cord connects several devices to one power point in the living room.

Synonyms

socket
vspower point
24 2.8

A place in a wall where you plug devices to get power

is specifically the wall-installed version used for supplying mains power
electrical outlet
vspower point
  • US
7 3.0

A socket in a wall where you plug in a phone charger or lamp to get power

is specific to a wall-mounted opening rather than any surface connection
wall socket
vspower point
  • UK
3 2.9

A place in a wall where you plug in an electrical device to get power

is the same idea but named as the general wall-mounted connection point
receptacle
vspower point
  • Specialized
2 7.1

A socket where you plug in power cords

is the ordinary wall form of this connected device for plugging in
electric outlet
vspower point
  • US
1 2.4

A socket in a wall that lets you plug in devices to get power

refers only to a wall-mounted access point for electrical power
wall plug
vspower point
  • UK
1 2.4

An electrical socket in a wall where you connect a device to get power

is the general term for the wall-mounted connection rather than other types
electric receptacle
vspower point
  • Specialized
3.7

A socket in a wall that you plug devices into to get power

is the common wall-mounted version of this wiring connection point

How Many

multiway
  • UK
3.7
power point
  • Australian
2.6

Surface Forms

power point singular
power points plural

Morphology

power + point

The meaning 'an electrical socket' is directly derivable from combining 'power' (electrical supply) with 'point' (a place or location) — i.e., the place where power is available. This compositional pattern is common in English and mirrored by equivalent terms in many languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

The noun power point comes from the idea of a place where power comes out at a single point on the wall. Imagine a spot where you can plug something in to get electricity; that's why it means 'an electrical socket' today.