electricity
Americannoun
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the science dealing with electric charges and currents.
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a state or feeling of excitement, anticipation, tension, etc.
noun
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any phenomenon associated with stationary or moving electrons, ions, or other charged particles
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the science concerned with electricity
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an electric current or charge
a motor powered by electricity
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emotional tension or excitement, esp between or among people
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The collection of physical effects related to the force and motion of electrically charged particles, typically electrons, through or across matter and space.
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See also circuit conductor electric potential
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Electric current, or a source of electric current.
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A buildup of electric charge.
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See also static electricity
Etymology
Origin of electricity
Explanation
Electricity is the energy that powers your lights and appliances. Electricity is the stuff that Benjamin Franklin harnessed from lightning using a key and a kite. Don't try that on your own. The word electricity comes from the Greek electron, which doesn’t mean what you might expect. It means "amber," that yellow or reddish brown stone used for jewelry. The ancients noticed that when you rub amber, it gets an electrostatic charge and will pick up light things like feathers and straw. You can also describe other kinds of energy as electricity — when you're really crazy about someone, you can say there's electricity between the two of you.
Vocabulary lists containing electricity
Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer - Introductory
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Engineering - Introductory
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Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer - Middle School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Financial advisors who prefer to own power generation say demand for electricity will grow even if AI spending slows.
From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026
That enthusiasm started fading in the 1970s as construction costs rose and the growth of electricity demand slowed.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
In 2025, renewables reached 34 percent of global electricity generation, overtaking coal's 33 percent share for the first time in 100 years, according to energy think tank Ember.
From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026
They cited a 1923 contract between Edison and Pacific Electric Railway Co. that said that “leakage of electricity or induction from or between” conductors was an inherent risk of operating multiple electrical circuits in proximity.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
The discussion came to an end when Mrs. Seeger offered to look up information on static electricity for the class.
From "Ralph S. Mouse" by Beverly Cleary
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
