CEFR B1
amp
noun
Meaning
An electronic device that increases the amplitude of an electrical signal, especially one used to make a sound louder.
Examples
- The guitarist plugged his instrument into the amp.
- The sound system needs a more powerful amp to fill the stadium.
Synonyms: amplifier, booster, preamp
Phrases for amp
Natural phrases and collocations with amp. See examples, avoid awkward combinations, and learn how to use amp in context. An electronic device that increases the amplitude of an electrical signal, especially one used to make a sound
Audio equipment
Amp is the common informal short form of amplifier.
- guitar amp (compound noun): An amplifier designed for an electric guitar.
The guitarist carried a small tube amp into the studio.
- practice amp (compound noun): A small amplifier used for practice rather than performance.
A ten-watt practice amp is enough for her bedroom.
- plug into the amp (verb phrase): To connect an instrument or device to the amplifier.
Plug the keyboard into the amp before you switch it on.
- turn up the amp (verb phrase): To increase the amplifier’s volume.
He turned up the amp for the final song.
- blown amp (noun phrase): An amplifier that has failed, often after electrical or speaker damage.
The band borrowed a replacement for the blown amp.
Electric current
Amp is also the everyday short form of ampere, the unit used to measure electric current.
- a 10-amp fuse (measurement phrase): A fuse rated for a current of ten amperes.
This circuit needs a 10-amp fuse.
- draw five amps (verb phrase): To use an electric current of five amperes.
The motor draws five amps under normal load.
- amp rating (compound noun): The stated current capacity of a device or component.
Check the cable’s amp rating before connecting the heater.
Increase energy or intensity
Amp up is informal. It means make something stronger, livelier, or more intense.
- amp up the energy (phrasal verb): To make a room, event, or performance feel more energetic.
The host used a quick game to amp up the energy.
- amp up security (phrasal verb): To increase security measures.
The venue amped up security before the final.
- get amped up (informal pattern): To become excited, energetic, or highly motivated.
The players were getting amped up before kickoff.
Sentence frames
- plug + device + into the amp: Name the instrument or device between plug and into.
She plugged the microphone into the amp.
- amp up + noun: Name the energy, effort, pressure, or measure being increased.
The campaign amped up its advertising.