electricity

noun

elec·​tric·​i·​ty i-ˌlek-ˈtri-sə-tē 

ē-, 

-ˈtri-stē

plural electricities

1

a

: a fundamental form of energy observable in positive and negative forms that occurs naturally (as in lightning) or is produced (as in a generator) and that is expressed in terms of the movement and interaction of electrons

b

: electric current or power

2

: a science that deals with the phenomena and laws of electricity

3

: keen contagious excitement

could feel the electricity in the room

Examples of electricity in a Sentence

The electricity went off during the storm.

an old building with no plumbing or electricity

You could feel the electricity in the room.

Recent Examples on the Web

But electricity bills have emerged as a potent political issue in Georgia and nationwide, with grassroots opposition to data centers partly based on fears that other customers will subsidize the power demands of technology behemoths. —CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025

Utility companies threatened to cut off water and electricity to multiple Atrium homes in 2018 because of overdue bills. —Sarah Volpenhein, jsonline.com, 5 Dec. 2025

Once poured and air-dried for a full day, the mixture formed a thin, elastic sheet capable of transmitting electricity while moving like fabric. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Dec. 2025

There was no electricity, and basic human conditions were barbaric. —Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 4 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing electricity

• static electricity

Rhymes for electricity

• authenticity
• chromaticity
• concentricity
• domesticity
• eccentricity
• elasticity
• iconicity
• metallicity
• multiplicity
• specificity
• synchronicity
• analyticity

Kids Definition

electricity

noun

elec·​tric·​i·​ty i-ˌlek-ˈtris-ət-ē 

-ˈtris-tē

1

: a form of energy that is found in nature but that can be artificially produced by rubbing together two unlike things (as glass and silk), by the action of chemicals, or by means of a generator

2

: electric current

3

: great excitement

felt the electricity in the theater

Medical Definition

electricity

noun

elec·​tric·​i·​ty i-ˌlek-ˈtris-ət-ē, -ˈtris-tē 

plural electricities

1

a

: a fundamental entity of nature consisting of negative and positive kinds, observable in the attractions and repulsions of bodies electrified by friction and in natural phenomena (as lightning or the aurora borealis), and usually utilized in the form of electric currents

b

: electric current or power

2

: a science that deals with the phenomena and laws of electricity