a physical phenomenon associated with stationary or moving electrons and protons
"The scientist explained that lightning is simply electricity, a powerful physical phenomenon caused by the rapid movement of electrons between storm clouds."
energy made available by the flow of electric charge through a conductor
"they built a car that runs on electricity"
"The power went oout around midnight"
Originally, a property of amber and certain other nonconducting substances to attract lightweight material when rubbed, or the cause of this property; now understood to be a phenomenon caused by the distribution and movement of charged subatomic particles and their interaction with the electromagnetic field.
"After reading about how rubbing amber creates static electricity through the transfer of charged subatomic particles, I finally understood why my hair stood up when I took off my hat."
In plain English: Electricity is the flow of energy that powers lights, phones, and other devices.
"The storm knocked out the electricity, so everyone had to use flashlights."
Usage: Use "electricity" to refer to the flow of electrical energy that powers devices like lights and appliances, not the static charge found on rubbed objects. It describes the utility or current used in homes and businesses rather than the abstract scientific phenomenon itself.
The word electricity comes from combining electric with the suffix -ity. It entered English to describe the physical phenomenon associated with static sparks and lightning that was first observed by ancient Greeks but later named after the Greek god of thunder, Zeus.