electric chair

noun

1
: a chair used in legal electrocution
2
: the penalty of death by electrocution

Examples of electric chair in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The most recent execution via firing squad in the United States occurred in South Carolina, where Brad Sigmon, 67, was executed in March, opting for the method instead of the electric chair or lethal injection. Amanda Castro joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025 Every trip to the electric chair is horrifying; a sequence where an intentionally botched execution ignites a still-living prisoner's screaming head in ghoulish blue flames is up there with any supernatural fright King's ever conceived. James Grebey, Time, 12 Sep. 2025 Magrath testified that this very bullet severed the great artery leading from Berardelli’s heart – testimony that would help seal Sacco’s fate, eventually sending both defendants to the electric chair. Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 10 Sep. 2025 Lynch tried to lock in the Disarm-Her again, but Bella picked her up for an electric chair drop and a takedown for another two. Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for electric chair

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of electric chair was in 1883

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Cite this Entry

“Electric chair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electric%20chair. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

Legal Definition

electric chair

noun
elec·​tric chair
1
: a chair used in performing a legal electrocution
2
: the penalty of death by electrocution

More from Merriam-Webster on electric chair

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