electricity
ee-lehk-TRIH-sih-tee
Electricity (noun) means a form of energy caused by the movement of charged particles, used to power lights, appliances, and machines. Example: “The storm knocked out electricity across the whole town.”
noun
1
A form of energy caused by the movement of charged particles, used to power lights, appliances, and machines.
"The storm knocked out electricity across the whole town."
"Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity."
"Our old farmhouse had no electricity until my grandfather had it wired in."
2
A feeling of intense excitement or tension.
"There was electricity in the room as the results were announced."
"You could feel the electricity in the stadium just before the final whistle."
"There was a strange electricity between them when they first met."
How to use electricity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe power that runs lights and appliances, or figuratively, a thrilling sense of tension.
Common pairings
generate electricity
electricity bill
supply of electricity
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Word forms
- Plural
- electricities
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The storm knocked out _____ across the whole town.
Etymology
Formed from electric plus the suffix -ity; ultimately traces to Greek ēlektron, "amber," since static electricity was first observed by rubbing amber.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for electricity
See all rhymes for electricity →Frequently asked questions
What does “electricity” mean?
The word “electricity” means a form of energy caused by the movement of charged particles, used to power lights, appliances, and machines. In plain terms, the power that runs lights and appliances, or figuratively, a thrilling sense of tension.
How do you pronounce “electricity”?
“Electricity” is pronounced ee-lehk-TRIH-sih-tee (/ɪˌlɛkˈtɹɪsɪti/ in IPA).
How do you use “electricity” in a sentence?
Here is “electricity” used in a sentence: “The storm knocked out electricity across the whole town.”
What part of speech is “electricity”?
“Electricity” is a noun.
Where does the word “electricity” come from?
The word “electricity” comes from Greek. Formed from electric plus the suffix -ity; ultimately traces to Greek ēlektron, "amber," since static electricity was first observed by rubbing amber.
Is “electricity” a common word?
“Electricity” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “electricity” have?
“Electricity” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a form of energy caused by the movement of charged particles, used to power lights, appliances, and machines.
What are the types of electricity?
Electricity is often divided into two kinds. Static electricity is a build-up of charge that stays in one place, like the shock you feel after touching metal. Current electricity is charge that flows steadily through a wire or circuit, and it is the form used to power homes, appliances, and machines.
How is electricity generated?
Most electricity is produced by spinning turbines that drive generators. The turbines can be turned by steam from burning fuel or nuclear heat, or by wind, flowing water, and other sources. Solar panels work differently, converting sunlight directly into electricity without any moving parts.
What is the difference between electricity and power?
Electricity is the flow of charged particles — the energy itself. Power measures how quickly that energy is used or delivered, measured in watts. So electricity is what runs through the wires, while power describes the rate at which it does work, such as lighting a bulb.
Can electricity be stored?
Yes, though not always easily. Batteries store electrical energy in chemical form and release it as electricity when needed. Larger systems store it by pumping water uphill or charging big battery banks. Storing electricity at scale is a major focus of modern energy technology, especially for renewable power.
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