electric

American  

[ih-lek-trik] / ɪˈlɛk trɪk /

adjective

1. pertaining to, derived from, produced by, or involving electricity.

   an electric shock.

2. producing, transmitting, or operated by electric currents.

   an electric bell;

   electric cord.

3. electrifying; thrilling; exciting; stirring.

   The atmosphere was electric with excitement.

   Synonyms:

   dynamic, rousing, spirited

   Antonyms:

   prosaic, uninspired, dull

4. (of a musical instrument)

   1. producing sound by electrical or electronic means.

      an electric piano.

   2. equipped with connections to an amplifier-loudspeaker system.

      an electric violin.

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noun

1. Railroads.

   1. an electric locomotive.

   2. Informal. a railroad operated by electricity.

2. electricity.

   residential users of gas and electric.

3. something, as an appliance, vehicle, or toy, operated by electricity.

4. Archaic. a substance that is a nonconductor of electricity, as glass or amber, used to store or to excite an electric charge.

electric British  

/ ɪˈlɛktrɪk /

adjective

1. of, derived from, produced by, producing, transmitting, or powered by electricity

   electric current

   an electric cord

   an electric blanket

   an electric fence

   an electric fire

2. (of a musical instrument) amplified electronically

   an electric guitar

   an electric mandolin

3. very tense or exciting; emotionally charged

   an electric atmosphere

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noun

1. informal an electric train, car, etc

2. informal electricity or electrical power

3. (plural) an electric circuit or electric appliances

electric Scientific  

/ ĭ-lĕk′trĭk /

1. Relating to or operated by electricity.

2. Compare electronic

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Other Word Forms

• nonelectric adjective
• preelectric adjective
• unelectric adjective

Etymology

Origin of electric

First recorded in 1640–50; from New Latin electricus, from Latin ēlectr(um) “amber” ( electrum ) + -icus -ic

Example Sentences

Five years later, that million-square-foot plant is mostly empty and losing money, a casualty of America’s messy breakup with electric vehicles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Nothing was found in the search before officers removed the battery from his electric bike and told him he could leave.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

“Importantly, electric vehicle sales still very much matter to Tesla’s earnings; they accounted for the vast majority of 2025 company revenue,” says Cannacord analyst George Gianarikas.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

It was also considered a turning point for interest in electric vehicles, as sales surged.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Ropes and pulleys and electric lights were lashed amid the rafters.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

Related Words

• magnetic