electrician

American  

[ih-lek-trish-uhn, ee-lek-] / ɪ lɛkˈtrɪʃ ən, ˌi lɛk- /

noun

1. a person who installs, operates, maintains, or repairs electric devices or electrical wiring.

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electrician British  

/ ˌiːlɛk-, ɪlɛkˈtrɪʃən /

noun

1. a person whose occupation is the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical devices

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Etymology

Origin of electrician

An Americanism dating back to 1745–55; electric + -ian

Explanation

An electrician is a person whose job involves fixing or installing electrical wiring systems. If you keep blowing fuses in your kitchen, you may need to hire an electrician to fix your house's wiring. While electricians also work on airplanes, ships, and various kinds of machines, most electricians do their job in houses and buildings that are wired for electricity to run lights, appliances, computers, and other gadgets. To work as an electrician, you need to be trained and licensed, which is especially important because of how dangerous electricity can be. In the 18th century, electricians were "scientists concerned with electricity," but by the late 1800s they were "electrical technicians."

Example Sentences

"My whole life investment is just gone on this and we had no insurance on it because the electrician work was going on," he said.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

But Dallas-area electrician Paul Bruderer said it can be vital when taking measurements at an awkward angle.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

"We believe there will be some kind of change across the whole country," added the 55-year-old electrician, who used to vote for Orban's Fidesz party.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

In January, he published a profile of a 23-year-old electrician who skipped college to be a part of “Gen Z’s blue-collar revolution.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

In California, Anthony landed a job as a railway electrician and bought a half-acre field on the edge of Torrance, population 1,800.

From "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand