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

Alex Fiehl, an IT professional in upstate New York, said his EV-charging expenses have been impacted by electricity costs spiking over the past few winters.

From MarketWatch • May 2, 2026

Nobody found joy watching the dials turn on their electricity meters.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

If it works, it could provide potentially limitless electricity without greenhouse gases or long-lived radioactive waste.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

Analysts see the company as a key beneficiary of the buildout of AI computing capacity, which requires massive amounts of electricity.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

The farm had no electricity and the computer system was down.

From "The Wild Robot Escapes" by Peter Brown

Related Words

• heat
• service