-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
Many exempt businesses — such as large companies, banks, credit unions, tax-exempt entities and public utilities — already furnish similar data.
—Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2024
Punishment for injury to a public utility is increased from Class 1 misdemeanor to Class C felony.
—Alan Wooten | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 2 Dec. 2024
Some, like Otis, have built their own networks, treating internet access like a public utility.
—Cameron Pugh, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 Nov. 2024
Energy Northwest, a consortium of state public utilities, will have the option to add up to eight 80 MW modules, resulting in a total capacity up to 960 MWs, or enough to power the equivalent of more than 770,000 U.S. homes.
—Timothy Gardner, USA TODAY, 17 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for public utility
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.
Word History
First Known Use
1895, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near public utility
Cite this Entry
“Public utility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20utility. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.
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
Nglish: Translation of public utility for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about public utility
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share