public utility

noun

: a business organization (such as an electric company) performing a public service and subject to special governmental regulation

Examples of public utility in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In 2018, the 5th District Appellate Court ruled the ICC lacked authority to grant the necessary certificate because Grain Belt Express did not meet the definition of a public utility. Catrina Barker, The Washington Examiner, 3 Aug. 2025 In 1900, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that The A.P., as a public utility, had to offer its news service to any newspaper that wished to be a client. David W. Dunlap, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025 In recent years, police have sought data not just from public utilities, but from digital platforms and even neighborhood security cameras, prompting a larger discussion on whether and how such data should be shared. Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2025 Kansas law prohibits digging near the location of underground public utilities before they have been properly marked to prevent infrastructure damage. Matthew Kelly july 30, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for public utility

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of public utility was in 1895

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Cite this Entry

“Public utility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20utility. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

public utility

noun
: a business organization performing a public service and subject to special governmental regulation

Legal Definition

public utility

noun
: a business organization (as an electric company) performing a public service and subject to special government regulation

More from Merriam-Webster on public utility

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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