public utility

noun

: a business organization (such as an electric company) performing a public service and subject to special governmental regulation

Examples of public utility in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Cities are primarily responsible for public safety, planning and zoning, and public utilities. Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026 From cities and tribes to rural electric cooperatives and public utility districts, some 155 customers receive hydropower electricity from Glen Canyon Dam and other federal generators. ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026 Because large data centers use exorbitant amounts of electric power and water, and may produce health risks to nearby communities, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will study the potential strain on public utilities and possible health effects with a report expected in four months. Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 15 Apr. 2026 The Broncos are still working through negotiations with public utility Denver Water, which is eyeing Lot M of the current Empower Field site for part of its facility relocation — a move that could bring some city-planning issues. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for public utility

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of public utility was in 1895

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Cite this Entry

“Public utility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20utility. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

public utility

noun
: a business organization performing a public service and subject to special governmental regulation

Legal Definition

public utility

noun
: a business organization (as an electric company) performing a public service and subject to special government regulation

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