Powered means driven or operated by a particular source of energy. A battery-powered toy runs on electricity stored in batteries. A gas-powered lawnmower burns gasoline to make its blades spin. Solar-powered calculators work by converting sunlight into electricity.

The word helps us describe what makes something work. When you say a boat is powered by an outboard motor, you're explaining the source of its movement. A wind-powered mill uses the force of moving air to grind grain. Understanding what powers different machines helps us know their strengths and limitations: battery-powered devices stop working when the batteries die, while hand-powered tools (like a manual can opener) work as long as you supply the muscle.

In a broader sense, people sometimes describe themselves or others as powered by something that motivates them. A student might feel powered by curiosity about space, meaning that interest drives their effort in science class. An athlete might be powered by determination to improve. In these cases, powered suggests what gives someone energy and keeps them going, much like fuel powers an engine.