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

Avoid any water that may be charged with electricity and do not attempt to walk through floodwaters. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 23 Feb. 2025

The masseria lacked electricity, let alone heat and running water. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Feb. 2025

Flint, Michigan, has the least affordable electricity bills when adjusted for income, while cities across Missouri struggle with energy efficiency due to aging infrastructure and limited state incentives. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025

Des Moines' franchise fee for gas and electricity may rise by up to 50% to pay for regional transit services, Axios has learned. —Jason Clayworth, Axios, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing electricity

• static electricity

Rhymes for electricity

• authenticity
• chromaticity
• concentricity
• domesticity
• eccentricity
• elasticity
• iconicity
• metallicity
• multiplicity
• specificity
• synchronicity
• analyticity

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