electronics

electronics — noun

1. the scientific and technical field that studies how electric current moves throu

1.nounB1
Definition

the scientific and technical field that studies how electric current moves through materials and uses that knowledge to create devices such as computers, phones, and radios

Example

Jiwoo decided to study electronics at the technical college because she wanted to build robots.

uncountable noun with singular verb

Modern electronics has changed the way people around the world talk to one another.

Common collocations
  • study electronics
  • electronics industry
  • electronics engineering
  • consumer electronics
  • electronics company
Synonyms
  • electrical engineering

    broader field that includes power systems and heavy-current applications; electronics focuses on low-current control circuits

  • semiconductor physics

    narrower and more theoretical; focuses on the material science behind electronic components

  • microelectronics

    subfield specializing in very small electronic circuits and chip design

Grammar Patterns

electronics + singular verb

Usage Note

When referring to the field of study or industry, electronics takes a singular verb (e.g., Electronics is a growing field).

Common Mistakes

The electronics are a difficult subject.
Electronics is a difficult subject.
When referring to the scientific field, treat electronics as a singular uncountable noun.

2. the physical circuits, parts, and machines that use electricity in a controlled

2.nounB1
Definition

the physical circuits, parts, and machines that use electricity in a controlled way to do useful tasks — for example, the internal components of a mobile phone or a computer

Example

The store sells electronics such as laptops, tablets, and wireless headphones.

plural noun for devices and equipment

Tamás packed all his electronics into one bag before the flight.

Common collocations
  • portable electronics
  • personal electronics
  • pack electronics
  • expensive electronics
  • sell electronics
Synonyms
  • gadgets

    informal; usually refers to small, clever handheld devices; narrower than electronics

  • gear

    informal; covers any equipment including non-electronic items such as camping or sports gear

  • appliances

    typically refers to larger household machines; many are electric but not all are electronic

Grammar Patterns

electronics + plural verb

Usage Note

When referring to devices and equipment, electronics takes a plural verb (e.g., His electronics are lined up on the desk).

Common Mistakes

My electronics is on the table.
My electronics are on the table.
When referring to actual devices, treat electronics as a plural noun that requires a plural verb.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All three terms relate to the science of electronics but differ in scope and focus. Electrical engineering is the broadest field: it covers power generation, motors, and large-scale electrical systems alongside electronic circuits. In contrast, electronics (the sense here) concentrates on low-current control circuits, signal processing, and semiconductor-based devices. Semiconductor physics is narrower and more theoretical — it investigates how materials like silicon conduct electricity at the atomic level, which is the foundation for building transistors and chips. Microelectronics is an applied subfield that deals with designing extremely small circuits on silicon wafers, such as microprocessors and memory chips. For everyday conversation, electronics is the natural choice when talking about the industry or studies involving computers and phones. Electrical engineering fits if the context includes power lines or motors, while semiconductor physics and microelectronics belong in academic or technical discussions.

electrical engineeringsemiconductor physicsmicroelectronics

Common collocations

Nouns

  • electronics industry
  • electronics company
  • electronics store
  • electronics division

Phrases

  • consumer electronics
  • portable electronics

Prepositions

  • in electronics

Etymology

GreekEnglish

The word electronics was formed in the early 1900s by adding the suffix -ics (meaning 'the science or study of') to electron. Electron itself was coined in 1891 from the Greek word ēlektron (ἤλεκτρον), meaning 'amber' — because the ancient Greeks observed that rubbing amber with fur produced static electricity. The field of electronics grew out of radio and vacuum-tube technology in the early 20th century and expanded rapidly with the invention of the transistor in 1947.