dynamo

IPA/ˈdaɪnəməʊ/
KK[dˈaɪnəmˌo]IPA/ˈdaɪnəməʊ/

dynamo — noun

  • dynamosingular
  • dynamosplural

1. a machine that makes electricity from movement, such as a turning wheel or handl

1.nounC1
Definition

a machine that makes electricity from movement, such as a turning wheel or handle

Example

A small dynamo under the wheel powered Gabriel's bike light at night.

dynamo power a bike light

At the museum, children turned a dynamo by hand to light a bulb.

turn a dynamo by hand

Common collocations
  • bicycle dynamo
  • hub dynamo
  • dynamo powers the lamp
  • turn the dynamo by hand
Synonyms
  • generator

    a broader word for a machine that produces electricity, often larger or less specific

  • alternator

    a more technical word for a generator that makes alternating current, often in vehicles

Grammar Patterns

a dynamo powers a light

turn a dynamo by hand

fit a dynamo to a bicycle

Usage Note

Often used for a small generator on a bicycle or older equipment. The idea is making electricity from movement, not storing power like a battery.

Common Mistakes

The torch uses a dynamo that stores power all night.
The torch uses a battery that stores power all night.
A dynamo makes electricity from movement; it does not store electricity like a battery.

2. a person who is always full of drive and gets other people moving too

2.nounC1
Definition

a person who is always full of drive and gets other people moving too

Example

Everyone calls Mira the office dynamo because she solves problems all day.

call someone a dynamo

After the long train ride, Heather still worked like a dynamo backstage.

work like a dynamo

Common collocations
  • office dynamo
  • team dynamo
  • little dynamo
  • absolute dynamo
Synonyms
  • powerhouse

    suggests very strong output or influence, often in work, sport, or business

  • live wire

    more informal and emphasizes excitement or lively behavior

  • go-getter

    focuses more on ambition and drive to achieve success

Antonyms
  • slacker

    an informal word for someone who avoids effort or responsibility

  • couch potato

    an informal word for someone who is lazy and inactive, especially at home

Grammar Patterns

be a dynamo

call someone a dynamo

the team's dynamo

Usage Note

Usually used to praise someone who keeps work or activity moving. It often appears after be or in a noun phrase such as the team's dynamo.

Common Mistakes

The new phone is a dynamo.
The new phone is powerful.' / 'Nina is a dynamo at work.
This sense praises an energetic person, not a machine or product.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

Dynamo suggests a person whose energy keeps a group, project, or event moving forward. Powerhouse is stronger and can describe not only a person but also a team, company, or performer with great force or output. Live wire is more informal and points to lively, exciting behavior, sometimes with a slightly wild edge. Go-getter focuses more on ambition and a habit of chasing success than on constant energy in daily activity. Workhorse is different again: it praises steady, dependable effort rather than sparkle or drive. If one teacher runs every activity and lifts the whole room, dynamo fits well. If someone simply works hard and quietly, workhorse is often better.

powerhouselive wire ↗go-getter ↗workhorse ↗

Etymology

GreekEnglish

Dynamo comes from a Greek word meaning power. In English it first appeared in the longer term dynamo-electric machine, then was shortened to dynamo for the machine itself. That idea of strong power later helped the figurative sense for a very energetic person.

First known use

1882

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1