# electricity

/ɪˌɫɛkˈtɹɪsəti/ (US) · /ɪlɛktɹˈɪsɪtˌi/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. energy and power

noun · CEFR A2

a form of energy that flows through wires and provides power for lights and machines.

For teachers: a physical phenomenon caused by the movement of charged particles, used as a source of power for appliances and industrial machinery.

- The storm knocked down several trees and we lost electricity for three days.
- The national grid was under immense pressure as the demand for electricity surged during the coldest week of the winter.

Usage: Usually uncountable; often used with verbs like 'generate', 'supply', or 'conduct'.

### 2. utility supply

noun · CEFR B1

the supply of power to a building as a service you pay for.

For teachers: the provision of electrical power as a public utility or commercial service.

- The landlord includes the cost of electricity in the monthly rent.
- The government announced a new subsidy to help low-income households manage the rising cost of electricity and heating.

Usage: Often used as an attributive noun, as in 'electricity bill' or 'electricity company'.

### 3. excitement

noun · CEFR B2

a strong feeling of excitement or energy in a place or between people.

For teachers: a state of intense emotional excitement or tension within a group or between individuals.

- You could feel the electricity in the crowd as the band walked onto the stage.
- There was a palpable sense of electricity in the courtroom as the jury prepared to deliver the final verdict.

Teaching tip: This is a common metaphorical use; it describes a mood that feels 'charged' or 'sparky'.

## Examples

- The storm caused a power cut and we lost all electricity.
- Switching to solar panels allows homeowners to generate their own electricity while reducing their monthly utility bills.
- The rapid expansion of the national grid brought electricity to remote rural areas, fundamentally transforming the local economy and the daily lives of the inhabitants.

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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.