1 A2 neutral
To turn on an electronic device by connecting it to power.
"Power on the projector before the presentation starts."
separable
power on
A2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To turn on an electronic device by supplying it with power.
In plain English
To turn a machine or device on so it starts working.
What does "power on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
For a device to start up when power is supplied to it.
"The console powers on instantly — there's no loading screen."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Switching the electrical power to the 'on' state — entirely transparent.
Actually means
To turn a machine or device on so it starts working.
Usage tip
Common in technical contexts and everyday use with electronics. Often labelled on buttons as 'Power On'. The opposite of 'power off'. Also appears in compound adjective form: 'power-on self-test' (POST) in computing.
Words that pair with "power on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
device computer console screen system phone
How to conjugate "power on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
power on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
powers on
he/she/it
Past simple
powered on
yesterday
Past participle
powered on
have + pp
-ing form
powering on
continuous
Hear "power on" in the wild
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Other ways to say "power on"
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