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

Comedian Ferrell appeared later on stage pretending to be an electrician.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 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

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

One of them, 69-year-old mother of two Tracey – not her real name - said she bypassed her electricity meter for eight years after being shown how by a local electrician.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

I hear through my mother he started at electrician school, nights.

From "Adrift" by Paul Griffin