electricity
Americannoun
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the science dealing with electric charges and currents.
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a state or feeling of excitement, anticipation, tension, etc.
noun
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any phenomenon associated with stationary or moving electrons, ions, or other charged particles
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the science concerned with electricity
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an electric current or charge
a motor powered by electricity
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emotional tension or excitement, esp between or among people
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The collection of physical effects related to the force and motion of electrically charged particles, typically electrons, through or across matter and space.
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See also circuit conductor electric potential
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Electric current, or a source of electric current.
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A buildup of electric charge.
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See also static electricity
Etymology
Origin of electricity
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.
Vocabulary lists containing electricity
Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer - Introductory
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Engineering - Introductory
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Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer - Middle School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Financial advisors who prefer to own power generation say demand for electricity will grow even if AI spending slows.
From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026
But now, rising electricity demand, a focus on the climate and the surging energy needs of the tech sector have revived interest in nuclear power.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
They cited a 1923 contract between Edison and Pacific Electric Railway Co. that said that “leakage of electricity or induction from or between” conductors was an inherent risk of operating multiple electrical circuits in proximity.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
A reactor would offer a long-term, consistent supply of electricity that solar power with batteries can’t manage on the moon, given the two-week lunar night.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
Were the spirits making sounds, harnessing magnetism, or conducting electricity?
From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
