electronics

American  

[ih-lek-tron-iks, ee-lek-] / ɪ lɛkˈtrɒn ɪks, ˌi lɛk- /

noun

1. (used with a singular verb) the science dealing with the development and application of devices and systems involving the flow of electrons in a vacuum, in gaseous media, and in semiconductors.

2. (used with a plural verb) electronic devices, circuits, or systems developed through electronics.

   Can you get through the day without using your phone or other electronics?

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electronics British  

/ ˌiːlɛk-, ɪlɛkˈtrɒnɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the science and technology concerned with the development, behaviour, and applications of electronic devices and circuits

2. (functioning as plural) the circuits and devices of a piece of electronic equipment

   the electronics of a television set

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Etymology

Origin of electronics

First recorded in 1905–10; electronic, -ics

Explanation

Devices that use electricity and electrical components to perform a task — like stereos, TVs, computers, and calculators — are electronics. Unless you live off the grid in a remote place, winding the watch on your wrist and cooking freshly caught fish on your campfire, your life is full of electronics. Kitchen appliances, computers, and televisions are all electronics. You can also use this word for the science of designing circuits using electrical components, or the study of the way electrons behave under various circumstances.

Example Sentences

Morgan Stanley has divided the companies into seven categories: raw materials, alloys, propulsion, electronics, parts, launch systems, and satellite operators.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

Early-year data showed stronger agriculture, but softer industrial output and retail activity, as well as resilient electronics production, ANZ noted.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

The innovation focuses on a key function in electronics: converting high voltages into the lower levels required by computing hardware.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

Ugo Vallauri, co-director of the Restart Project, which encourages repair of electronics, said manufacturers' promises of newer devices offering better performance, when ceasing support for older products, has been seen before.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

As a teen in Pittsburgh, he had studied electronics.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield