Meaning
In Australian English, power point is a common term for the wall fitting or electrical socket into which a plug is inserted to connect equipment to the electricity supply.
How it is used
Cambridge defines power point as the device used to connect electrical equipment to the electricity supply and labels the term UK, contrasting it with US electrical outlet. Current NSW Government electrical-safety pages repeatedly use power point and power points for the same household fitting, directly demonstrating ordinary contemporary Australian institutional usage.
Examples
- “Is there a power point beside the bed?”
- “The charger is plugged into the power point.”
- “We need a desk closer to a power point.”
Pronunciation
/ˈpaʊ.ə ˌpɔɪnt/ · POW-uh point
Tone and register
Neutral and practical. In Australia the phrase is ordinary household and electrical vocabulary, but it is not uniquely Australian and should not be confused with the Microsoft presentation-software name PowerPoint.
Visitor guidance
Visitors can usually map Australian power point to electrical outlet, outlet, wall socket or socket. This language entry explains the name only; installation, repair, voltage compatibility and electrical safety require current official guidance and qualified professionals.
Cultural context
Power point is useful because a familiar household object has several competing English labels. Australian official usage makes the phrase especially important for accommodation, rental, appliance, office and travel conversation, while the spelling distinction from branded PowerPoint helps prevent search and comprehension confusion.
Places represented
Open the reviewed place guide for each regional sense carried by this canonical entry.