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1. Definition + Rich Everyday Explanation
Battery (noun) ( ba tı ri / be:tri ) a device that stores and provides electrical power, or a series of similar things arranged together, or the crime of physically attacking someone.
“Battery” has three distinct meanings that most people encounter regularly.
First and most commonly, a battery is a power source — the thing that makes your phone, laptop, car, or remote control work. Batteries store chemical energy and convert it to electrical energy. When people say “my battery is dead” or “I need to charge my battery,” they’re talking about this meaning. Modern life revolves around battery power — we’re constantly checking battery life, charging devices, and worrying about running out of power.
Second, “battery” means a group or series of similar things arranged together. This usage is less common in everyday speech but appears in phrases like “a battery of tests” (many medical tests) or “a battery of questions” (many questions fired at someone). The idea is multiple items working together or presented in sequence.
Third, in legal terms, battery is the crime of physically attacking or touching someone without consent. “Assault and battery” is a common legal phrase — assault is the threat, battery is the actual physical contact. This meaning is serious and formal, used primarily in legal contexts.
Examples from the street:
- “My phone battery only lasts about three hours now” → the power source in the device is getting weak
- “The doctor ordered a battery of blood tests” → multiple medical tests done together
- “He was charged with assault and battery” → he physically attacked someone and faces legal consequences
2. Most Common Patterns
- battery life → how long a battery can power a device before needing recharge
- charge the battery / recharge the battery → restore electrical power to a battery
- battery is dead / battery died → battery has no power left
- battery is low / running low on battery → battery power is nearly depleted
- change the battery / replace the battery → install a new battery
- a battery of + noun → a series or group of similar things (tests, questions, etc.)
- assault and battery → legal phrase for threatening and physically attacking someone
3. Idioms
Note: There are no common idioms directly containing “battery” — these are related expressions:
- recharge your batteries → rest and restore your energy (metaphorical use of battery concept)Example: “I’m taking a vacation to recharge my batteries after this stressful project.”
- run on fumes → operate with very little energy or resources left (similar to low battery)Example: “I’ve been running on fumes all week — I desperately need sleep.”
4. Example Sentences
- The battery life on this laptop is incredible — it lasts twelve hours→ The power source can keep the computer running for an impressively long time.
- I forgot to charge the battery last night, so my phone died during the meeting→ I didn’t restore power to the device, so it stopped working at an inconvenient moment.
- My car won’t start because the battery is dead→ The power source has no electrical charge left and can’t provide energy to start the engine.
- My phone is running low on battery — I need to find a charger soon→ The power is almost depleted and the device will stop working shortly.
- You should replace the battery in your smoke detector every year→ Install a new power source annually to ensure the safety device works properly.
- The patient underwent a battery of neurological tests to diagnose the problem→ The person received multiple medical examinations conducted together.
- He was arrested and charged with assault and battery after the fight→ He faces legal charges for threatening and physically attacking someone.
- The battery died in the middle of my presentation — so embarrassing→ The power source stopped working during an important moment, causing problems.
- Modern smartphones have much better battery life than older models→ Contemporary devices can operate longer on a single charge than previous versions.
- I always carry a portable charger because my phone’s battery is always low→ I bring a backup power source because my device frequently runs out of charge.
5. Personal Examples
- Students need laptops with good battery life for long study sessions in the library→ Learners require devices that can operate for extended periods without needing to find a power outlet.
- Mahir’s tablet battery is running low, so he needs to finish reviewing his English notes quickly→ The device’s power is nearly depleted, so he must complete his studying before it shuts down.
6. Register: Neutral
✔ Native usage tips
- “Battery” for power source is universal — everyone uses this daily in casual and formal contexts
- “Battery life” and “battery is dead/low” are the most common expressions people use constantly
- “A battery of tests/questions” is more formal and often used in medical or professional contexts
- “Assault and battery” is strictly legal terminology; casual speakers just say “he attacked someone”
- “Recharge your batteries” (rest/restore energy) is the only common metaphorical usage
✔ Similar expressions / words
- Power source → more general term; battery is a specific type of portable power source
- Cell → technical term for individual battery unit; “AAA cells” are small batteries
- Charge → the electrical energy stored in a battery; “full charge” means battery is at 100%
