electricity

noun

elec·​tric·​i·​ty i-ˌlek-ˈtri-sə-tē How to pronounce electricity (audio)
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

Example Sentences

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 India Some 350 villagers in the Himalayas have stable electricity, thanks to India’s first solar-hydro power system. Ali Martin, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 May 2023 Moreover, electricity and internet cuts have significantly impeded communication. Celine Alkhaldi, CNN, 17 May 2023 No one was hurt during the flooding, but the village was without electricity and water Monday and communication systems were limited, Zidek said. Tess Williams, Anchorage Daily News, 16 May 2023 As silicon crystal absorbs sunlight, electrons begin to flow through it—allowing solar panels to convert light into usable electricity. Charles D. Brown Ii, Scientific American, 16 May 2023 Both ride on Hyundai's acclaimed E-GMP platform, with an available long-range battery pack that stores 77.4 kWh of electricity. Dan Edmunds, Car and Driver, 13 May 2023 The Congress built its campaign by targeting Modi’s party over rising inflation, allegations of corruption and poor infrastructure development in the state, while promising electricity subsidies, rations to poor families, and financial assistance to unemployed graduates. Sheikh Saaliq, BostonGlobe.com, 13 May 2023 Grill, smoke, air fry, and more with the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill, powered by electricity and flavored with real burning wood pellets. Stephanie Mlot, PCMAG, 11 May 2023 Superheroes, Legos & Unicorns:What conventions are coming to Indianapolis this summer How much electricity do box fans use? John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 11 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'electricity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of electricity was in 1646

Dictionary Entries Near electricity

Cite this Entry

“Electricity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electricity. Accessed 2 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

electricity

noun
elec·​tric·​i·​ty i-ˌlek-ˈtris-ət-ē How to pronounce electricity (audio)
-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 How to pronounce electricity (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on electricity

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