electric
ih-LEHKT-rihk
Electric (adjective) means Powered by or relating to electricity. Example: “They bought an electric car to cut down on fuel costs.”
adjective
1
Powered by or relating to electricity.
"They bought an electric car to cut down on fuel costs."
"The house has electric heating throughout."
"My neighbour charges his electric bike in the garage every night."
2
Producing intense excitement or tension.
"The atmosphere in the stadium was electric before kickoff."
"There was an electric moment when the curtain finally rose."
"The crowd's reaction to the final goal was absolutely electric."
noun
1
A vehicle or device powered by electricity, as opposed to a traditional version of the same thing.
"They traded in their old sedan for an electric."
"Our local bus company now runs an electric on the airport route."
"I am thinking of swapping my petrol hatchback for an electric."
How to use electric
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRunning on electricity — or, figuratively, thrillingly tense and exciting.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
electric car
electric shock
electric atmosphere
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Word forms
- Plural
- electrics
Fill the gap
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They bought an _____ car to cut down on fuel costs.
Etymology
From New Latin electricus, "of amber," coined because rubbing amber produces a static charge; ultimately from Greek ēlektron, "amber."
Synonyms
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electrical
electric-powered
battery-powered
mains-powered
electrifying
charged
electric car
electric automobile
galvanising
galvanic
galvanizing
Related words
Rhymes for electric
See all rhymes for electric →Frequently asked questions
What does “electric” mean?
The word “electric” means powered by or relating to electricity. In plain terms, running on electricity — or, figuratively, thrillingly tense and exciting.
How do you pronounce “electric”?
“Electric” is pronounced ih-LEHKT-rihk (/ɪˈlɛktɹɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “electric” in a sentence?
Here is “electric” used in a sentence: “They bought an electric car to cut down on fuel costs.”
What part of speech is “electric”?
Depending on how it is used, “electric” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “electric” come from?
The word “electric” comes from New Latin. From New Latin electricus, "of amber," coined because rubbing amber produces a static charge; ultimately from Greek ēlektron, "amber.".
Is “electric” a common word?
“Electric” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “electric” have?
“Electric” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: powered by or relating to electricity.
What is the difference between electric and electronic?
Electric describes things powered by electricity or that carry it — an electric kettle, an electric current. Electronic refers to devices that control that current through components like microchips and circuits to process information, such as a computer or phone. Put simply, electric is about power; electronic is about signals and control.
What is the difference between electric and electrical?
The two overlap, but there is a useful pattern. "Electric" tends to describe something directly powered by or producing electricity — an electric car, an electric shock. "Electrical" describes things relating to electricity more generally — electrical engineering, an electrical fault. So a device is electric, while the wider system or field is electrical.
What does "electric atmosphere" mean?
Used figuratively, electric describes a mood that feels thrilling, tense, and full of energy, as if charged with electricity. An "electric atmosphere" at a concert or match is one buzzing with excitement. This vivid sense borrows from the literal one, suggesting a crowd or moment crackling with intensity.
What is an example of something electric?
Everyday electric items include an electric car, electric guitar, electric heater, and electric toothbrush — all powered by electricity rather than fuel, muscle, or clockwork. The word marks the power source, which is why electric vehicles are named in contrast to petrol- or diesel-powered ones.
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