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

Taking a fresh look at food distribution policies – like the Motor Carrier Act and public utility policies – could also level the playing field. — Michelle Miller, The Conversation, 29 Oct. 2026

The state’s attorney general filed an appeal against the Arizona Corporation Commission, the state agency that oversees public utilities, over its approval of a special energy agreement between Beale and TEP. — Gaby Del Valle, The Verge, 29 Oct. 2026

Inflation appears to be driven by price increases in the prices of durable goods and public utilities charges, government data showed. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026

But like at all public utilities, spending on infrastructure is how Nicor makes its profit. — Maggie Dougherty, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for public utility

• acceptability
• accessibility
• adaptability
• admissibility
• advisability
• affordability
• allowability
• amenability
• amiability
• appealability
• applicability
• availability

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