electric chair

noun

1
: a chair used in legal electrocution
2
: the penalty of death by electrocution

Examples of electric chair 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.
He's been a staunch supporter of the death penalty from day one, as illustrated by the toy electric chairs on his desk. Haley Bemiller, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 Oct. 2025 Whether he is hanged or sent to the electric chair, there should be a minimum amount of delay. Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025 Tennessee law holds that those who committed crimes before 1999 can choose between being put to death by lethal injection or the electric chair. Evan Mealins, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025 The most recent execution via firing squad in the United States occurred in South Carolina, where Brad Sigmon, 67, was executed in March, opting for the method instead of the electric chair or lethal injection. Amanda Castro joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for electric chair

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of electric chair was in 1883

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Cite this Entry

“Electric chair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electric%20chair. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Legal Definition

electric chair

noun
elec·​tric chair
1
: a chair used in performing a legal electrocution
2
: the penalty of death by electrocution

More from Merriam-Webster on electric chair

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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