electricity

American  

[ih-lek-tris-i-tee, ee-lek-] / ɪ lɛkˈtrɪs ɪ ti, ˌi lɛk- /

noun

1. electric charge.

2. electric current.

3. the science dealing with electric charges and currents.

4. a state or feeling of excitement, anticipation, tension, etc.

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electricity British  

/ ˌiːlɛk-, ɪlɛkˈtrɪsɪtɪ /

noun

1. any phenomenon associated with stationary or moving electrons, ions, or other charged particles

2. the science concerned with electricity

3. an electric current or charge

   a motor powered by electricity

4. emotional tension or excitement, esp between or among people

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electricity Scientific  

/ ĭ-lĕk-trĭs′ĭ-tē /

1. The collection of physical effects related to the force and motion of electrically charged particles, typically electrons, through or across matter and space.

2. See also circuit conductor electric potential

3. Electric current, or a source of electric current.

4. A buildup of electric charge.

5. See also static electricity

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electricity Cultural  

1. A flow of electrical charges, such as electrons, through a conductor.

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Etymology

Origin of electricity

First recorded in 1640–50; electric + -ity

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.

Example Sentences

In the 1900s, Brora was the first place north of Inverness to have electricity, leading its residents to nickname their home Electric City.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

Its dams produce electricity for millions of people.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

As solar panels lose their ability to generate electricity after sunset, one major challenge remains for renewable energy: how to store solar power for use later, whether during cloudy weather or overnight.

From Science Daily • May 15, 2026

There are no shops, residents are sometimes left with no electricity on hot days, there is little public transport, limited internet, and roads are often bad with poor street lighting.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

There, she had electricity, cell phone reception, and, most important, air-conditioning.

From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young

Related Words

• heat
• service