electricity
Americannoun
-
the science dealing with electric charges and currents.
-
a state or feeling of excitement, anticipation, tension, etc.
noun
-
any phenomenon associated with stationary or moving electrons, ions, or other charged particles
-
the science concerned with electricity
-
an electric current or charge
a motor powered by electricity
-
emotional tension or excitement, esp between or among people
-
The collection of physical effects related to the force and motion of electrically charged particles, typically electrons, through or across matter and space.
-
See also circuit conductor electric potential
-
Electric current, or a source of electric current.
-
A buildup of electric charge.
-
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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Engineering - Introductory
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer - Middle School
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Electricity would flow directly to sprawling on-site data centers filled with rows of servers running AI workloads for tech companies.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 16, 2026
Electricity could cut that by 40% to 70%, depending on the circumstances.
From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026
Electricity does not show up at a data center because somebody at Goldman Sachs hoped hard.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026
Electricity has to be available all the time - not just when the wind is blowing or the sun is shining.
From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026
Electricity, Werner is learning, can be static by itself.
From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr
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.
