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

He dropped out of college last year and is now in trade school studying to be an electrician.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

Her husband, an electrician, was made redundant during Covid and not long after that he was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a condition that causes extreme physical pain and tiredness.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

That jolted Aranibar, an electrician with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers’ Local 11, into action.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026

Nicola Pitucci, a 46-year-old electrician with a house in Roccaraso, said he has seen "many more people" in recent years, while the snow is unpredictable.

From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026

“It’s sunny out! We need to have an electrician look at the wiring in this old house.”

From "Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat" by Johnny Marciano and Emily Chenoweth