public utility

noun

: a business organization (such as an electric company) performing a public service and subject to special governmental regulation

Examples of public utility in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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In addition, many roads, public utilities and businesses were damaged. Nora O’Neill, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2025 New electricity tariffs also could provide the impetus for public utilities and co-ops to mobilize on grid modernization projects to bolster reliability and access to renewable energy. Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 The utility, however, has told state public utilities regulators that fire officials have not suggested its electric facilities played a part in the fire’s ignition. Mirna Alsharif, NBC News, 14 Jan. 2025 Under the Communications Act of 1934, such public utility services are subject to government regulation. Emma Bowman, NPR, 3 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for public utility

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of public utility was in 1895

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Cite this Entry

“Public utility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20utility. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

public utility

noun
: a business organization performing a public service and subject to special governmental regulation

Legal Definition

public utility

noun
: a business organization (as an electric company) performing a public service and subject to special government regulation

More from Merriam-Webster on public utility

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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