static

1 of 3

adjective

stat·​ic ˈsta-tik 

1

: exerting force by reason of weight alone without motion

2

: of or relating to bodies at rest or forces in equilibrium

3

: showing little change

a static population

4

a

: characterized by a lack of movement, animation, or progression

b

: producing an effect of repose or quiescence

a static design

5

a

: standing or fixed in one place : stationary

b

of water : stored in a tank but not under pressure

6

: of, relating to, or producing stationary charges of electricity : electrostatic

7

: of, relating to, or caused by radio static

statical

ˈsta-ti-kəl 

adjective

statically

ˈsta-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

static

2 of 3

noun

1

: noise produced in a radio or television receiver by atmospheric or various natural or artificial electrical disturbances

also : the electrical disturbances producing this noise

2

US, informal : heated opposition or criticism

staticky

ˈsta-ti-kē 

adjective

-static

3 of 3

adjective combining form

1

: of or relating to a position or state

orthostatic

2

: inhibiting the growth of

fungistatic

Synonyms of static

Adjective

• motionless
• stationary
• standing
• immobile
• in place

Examples of static in a Sentence

Adjective

the static installation of the statue in that niche means that no one will ever see its back, which is also of interest

Noun

There was so much static on the radio we couldn't hear the broadcast.

He was getting a lot of static about his decision.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Using sine wave generators and pink lighting so saturated it essentially blots out all other color and shadow, Young and Zazeela created a space that’s somehow both static and full of life. — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 4 Oct. 2026

Start with focused use cases where the data requirements are understood and basic (static versus real time), the operational consequence is bounded, and measurable value can be demonstrated. — Claudio Laterreur, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Noun

The fragrance-free spray comes in a 3-ounce bottle that fits TSA carry-on limits, and it is designed to release wrinkles, reduce static, and refresh fabric odors with a quick spray; then smooth and hang. — Amanda Eyre Ward, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2026

When strands are dry or damaged, the cuticle lifts and starts pulling water from the air, which is why the same head of hair can look glossy in January and a halo of static by August. — Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

New Latin staticus, from Greek statikos causing to stand, skilled in weighing, from histanai to cause to stand, weigh — more at stand

Noun

static electricity

Adjective combining form

New Latin -staticus, from staticus

First Known Use

Adjective

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1928, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing static

• Pitot-static tube
• static cling
• static electricity
• static line
• static tube

Rhymes for static

• attic
• mattock
• static
• achromatic
• acrobatic
• adriatic
• aliphatic
• antistatic
• aromatic
• adiabatic
• aristocratic
• asymptomatic

Kids Definition

static

1 of 2 adjective

stat·​ic ˈstat-ik 

1

: of or relating to bodies at rest or forces that are balanced

static friction

2

: showing little change

a static population

3

: marked by a lack of movement, liveliness, or progress

4

: of, relating to, or producing stationary charges of electricity (as those produced by friction)

static

2 of 2 noun

: noise produced in a radio or television receiver by atmospheric or electrical disturbances

Medical Definition

static

adjective

stat·​ic ˈstat-ik 

1

: characterized by a lack of movement or change

a static condition

2

: electrostatic

statically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb