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

Untrammeled growth of uranium mining and nuclear generation of electricity may ignite a spark to the ever-present fear of radioactivity in mining and disposal of nuclear waste, which are always simmering in the New Mexico cauldron of uncertainty. —Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

International buyers are seeking reassurances about policy continuity and clarity on issues such as tax volatility, geopolitical shifts, and rising gas and electricity prices. —Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 9 June 2025

After months of clashes on multiple issues, the 2025 legislative session ended last week with new legislation passed on the state budget, early childhood education, gun safety, affordable housing and electricity prices. —Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 8 June 2025

Lebanon has been in talks with the International Monetary Fund for years over a recovery plan that would include billions in loans and require the country to combat corruption, restructure its banks, and bring improvements to diverse public services, including electricity and water. —Kareem Chehayeb, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 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