electronics
Americannoun
-
(used with a singular verb) the science dealing with the development and application of devices and systems involving the flow of electrons in a vacuum, in gaseous media, and in semiconductors.
-
(used with a plural verb) electronic devices, circuits, or systems developed through electronics.
Can you get through the day without using your phone or other electronics?
noun
-
(functioning as singular) the science and technology concerned with the development, behaviour, and applications of electronic devices and circuits
-
(functioning as plural) the circuits and devices of a piece of electronic equipment
the electronics of a television set
Etymology
Origin of electronics
First recorded in 1905–10; see origin at electronic, -ics
Explanation
Devices that use electricity and electrical components to perform a task — like stereos, TVs, computers, and calculators — are electronics. Unless you live off the grid in a remote place, winding the watch on your wrist and cooking freshly caught fish on your campfire, your life is full of electronics. Kitchen appliances, computers, and televisions are all electronics. You can also use this word for the science of designing circuits using electrical components, or the study of the way electrons behave under various circumstances.
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.
All trial watchers are wanded by a metal detector to ensure they’re carrying no other electronics.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 2, 2026
Economic growth has strengthened on robust semiconductor and electronics exports fueled by the artificial-intelligence boom.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 1, 2026
The meeting with Xi sets Cairo up to land Chinese investments in its local AI and electronics industries, political scientist Salama said.
From Barron's ● Sep. 1, 2026
Around 60 to 70 trucks passed through the gorge each day, carrying electronics, machinery, vehicles, fruit, clothing and other goods towards Kathmandu.
From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2026
Like Japan, which exports consumer electronics and imports beef from the United States and wheat from Australia, Chichen Itza apparently traded its way through the drought.
From "1491" by Charles C. Mann
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.
