static electricity

American  

noun

Electricity.

1. a stationary electric charge built up on an insulating material.

---

static electricity Scientific  

1. Electric charge that has accumulated on an object. Static electricity is often created when two objects that are not good electrical conductors are rubbed together, and electrons from one of the objects rub off onto the other. This happens, for example, when combing one's hair or taking off a sweater. Sudden releases of built-up static electricity can take the form of an electric arc.

2. See Note at electric charge

---

static electricity Cultural  

1. An electrical charge that accumulates on an object when it is rubbed against another object — for example, the spark that jumps from someone's hand to a doorknob after the person has walked across a rug.

---

Etymology

Origin of static electricity

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

static electricity

The cause was likely a hydrogen leak near the airship’s tail, ignited when a buildup of static electricity generated a powerful spark.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026

“The energy and enthusiasm he generated created a charge like static electricity that hung around after he left the stage,” the Detroit Free Press later wrote.

From Slate ● Apr. 29, 2026

I had a mortgage calculator on my phone, and I’d rattle off what a monthly payment might be on whatever house we were scheduled to see, the anticipation like static electricity.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 15, 2025

Many creatures can accumulate static electricity through friction as they move through their environment, even by flying through the air.

From Science Magazine ● May 20, 2024

In her disgust Alice pulled off her rabbit-lined hat so fast it created static electricity in her hair.

From "On the Far Side of the Mountain" by Jean Craighead George