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

Chad, for example, faces a humanitarian crisis with limited access to water, electricity and food.

From Barron's • Jun. 16, 2026

Lauren Sanderson joined in for Hot Dog early in the set, bringing even more electricity to proceedings.

From BBC • Jun. 15, 2026

To diversify our energy portfolio—to ensure this crisis doesn’t go to waste—Washington will need to embrace a three-part strategy that demands every major player in the electricity sector have skin in the game.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 15, 2026

The electricity being generated from Madison Square Garden to my TV during Game 4 was exhilarating!

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 13, 2026

There’s an air of electricity as we all file into the gym to hear what we already know.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman

Related Words

• heat
• service