static electricity

noun

: electricity that consists of isolated motionless charges (such as those produced by friction)

Examples of static electricity in a Sentence

In dry weather, static electricity can cause clothes to cling.
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.
The second reason pet hair clings to clothing is due to mechanical friction, a process that creates static electricity. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Aug. 2025 Dogs' fear of thunderstorms can originate from a mix of factors including noise aversion, separation anxiety, and static electricity buildup, according to Veterinary Specialists of the Rockies. Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025 Dr England and collaborators investigated this phenomenon by using a picoammeter to measure treehopper static electricity (Figure 2A). Grrlscientist, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025 For one, Wednesday’s younger brother, Pugsley (Isaac Ordonez) — who is barely beginning to master his ability to generate static electricity — is now enrolled. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for static electricity

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of static electricity was in 1838

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Cite this Entry

“Static electricity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/static%20electricity. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

static electricity

noun
: electricity that consists of isolated stationary charges

More from Merriam-Webster on static electricity

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