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

Asana ranked Idaho as fourth-best overall in the cost-of-living category, with the average residential electricity price in the state at $0.12 per kilowatt-hour, according to EnergyBot.com. —Vincent Medina, Idaho Statesman, 17 Jan. 2025

There was no electricity, no safe running water, no natural gas. —Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025

Burgum said resources such as natural gas and coal from federal lands could provide more electricity, which could then support the growth of the artificial intelligence industry. —Samantha-Jo Roth, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 16 Jan. 2025

During adverse weather conditions, backcountry areas are prone to have electricity cut because they are often located in or around wind corridors. —Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025

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