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

This is why most American companies today still prioritize resources — money, talent, high-end chips, electricity — in training frontier models over scaling the usage of their existing ones.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 22, 2026

The project, a collaboration with Joulent, addresses soaring electricity demand for AI, with power delivery starting in late 2028.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 22, 2026

Newsom, during an interview at a Center for American Progress conference in May, said the concern that data centers may drive up electricity costs for Californians is a “legit issue,” but not the main one.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 21, 2026

These generally release half as much carbon dioxide as coal, and gas currently accounts for 13% of German electricity generation.

From BBC • Jun. 21, 2026

They came looking for what their tiny villages didn’t offer them: jobs, housing, electricity, food, and schools for their children.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

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