# electric

/ɪˈɫɛktɹɪk/ (US) · /ɪlˈɛktɹɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/electric
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. powered by electricity

adjective · CEFR A2

using or producing electricity to work.

For teachers: relating to, produced by, or operated by means of electricity.

- The city is encouraging people to buy electric cars to reduce pollution.
- The transition to electric heating systems in older buildings requires significant upgrades to the existing internal wiring and insulation.

### 2. exciting

adjective · CEFR B2

very exciting or full of energy.

For teachers: characterised by a high level of excitement, tension, or energy.

- The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as the game began.
- The performance was truly electric, leaving the audience in a state of stunned silence before they erupted into a standing ovation.

### 3. musical instrument

adjective · CEFR A2

a musical instrument that uses an amplifier to make sound.

For teachers: denoting a version of a musical instrument that requires electronic amplification to be heard clearly.

- He decided to switch from the acoustic guitar to an electric one.
- The jazz fusion band featured an electric violin that allowed the soloist to compete with the volume of the drums and synthesizers.

### 4. the power supply

noun · CEFR B1 · British English · Informal

the electricity used in a house or building.

For teachers: the supply of electricity to a property or the cost associated with its consumption.

- We need to pay the electric before they turn it off.
- After the storm damaged the main lines, the entire village was without electric for nearly forty-eight hours.

Usage: Usually used with the definite article 'the'.

## Examples

- We are thinking about buying an electric car.
- The city replaced its old diesel buses with a new fleet of quiet electric vehicles.
- The transition to electric heating systems is a key component of the government's strategy to reduce carbon emissions in residential areas.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.