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

The deal calls for enough of the reactors to deliver 12 gigawatts of electricity. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024

The oil-rich nation is suffering through chronic fuel and electricity shortages. —Robin Wright, The New Yorker, 19 Dec. 2024

In countries like Ireland, that figure goes up to one-fifth of the electricity generated, which prompted the Irish government to declare an effective moratorium on new data centers until 2028. —Sasha Luccioni, WIRED, 18 Dec. 2024

Nuclear energy is the largest source of clean power in the U.S., generating nearly 775 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. —Emma Withrow, Baltimore Sun, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing electricity

• static electricity

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