electricity
Americannoun
-
the science dealing with electric charges and currents.
-
a state or feeling of excitement, anticipation, tension, etc.
noun
-
any phenomenon associated with stationary or moving electrons, ions, or other charged particles
-
the science concerned with electricity
-
an electric current or charge
a motor powered by electricity
-
emotional tension or excitement, esp between or among people
-
The collection of physical effects related to the force and motion of electrically charged particles, typically electrons, through or across matter and space.
-
See also circuit conductor electric potential
-
Electric current, or a source of electric current.
-
A buildup of electric charge.
-
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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Engineering - Introductory
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer - Middle School
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Electricity does not show up at a data center because somebody at Goldman Sachs hoped hard.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026
Electricity prices run significantly below the European average.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026
Electricity demand is rising faster than it has in a generation, thanks in part to power-hungry AI data centers being built around the country.
From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026
Electricity went from an expensive, highly localized urban luxury to a ubiquitous global utility, driving the Second Industrial Revolution and making the modern city possible.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026
I felt a science report coming on titled Electricity, Our Helpful Friend.
From "How I Live Now" by Meg Rosoff
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.
