Definition

Noun: 1. A wall socket; an electrical outlet: A device on a wall or other surface into which an electrical plug is inserted to connect an appliance or device to a mains electricity supply.

Usage

• The term "power point" is primarily used in British English, Australian English, and other Commonwealth countries.
• It refers specifically to the fixed receptacle (socket) in a building's wiring system.
• It is a common, everyday term for the place where you plug in electrical devices.

Examples

• "I need to charge my phone, but I can't find a free power point near the desk."
• "The hotel room had several power points conveniently located around the room."
• "Make sure the power point is switched off before you insert the plug."

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used in technical or safety contexts, such as in building regulations or electrical manuals.
  • Example: "All power points in the bathroom must be specially protected against moisture."

Variants and Related Words

• Socket (noun): A more general synonym used in both British and American English.
• Outlet (noun): The common term used in American English (e.g., , ).
• Plug (noun): The movable connector that is inserted into the power point. (Note: This is the complementary part, not the power point itself).

Synonyms

• Electrical outlet
• Wall socket
• Socket
• Receptacle (more formal/technical)

Important Note

• "PowerPoint" (written as one word, with a capital 'P') is a completely different and unrelated term. It is a trademark for a presentation graphics software program developed by Microsoft. It is critical for language learners to distinguish between the two.
  • Example of the unrelated term: "She created her slides using PowerPoint."

Noun

1. a wall socket