hydrant

noun

hy·​drant ˈhī-drənt How to pronounce hydrant (audio)
plural hydrants
Synonyms of hydrant
1
: a discharge pipe with a valve and spout at which water may be drawn from a water main (as for fighting fires)

called also fireplug

2
: faucet

Examples of hydrant 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.
There is a hydrant across from the building, but crews also had to run lines around a half mile out to Trooper Road to get even more water. — Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 22 June 2026 New upsized 16-inch pipe is being installed and water valves, hydrants and services are being replaced, the release said. — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 18 May 2026 An Oakland firefighter retrieved water from a nearby hydrant and, cupping his hand, gave Tubbs a drink. — Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2026 Following the fire last month, Pernerewski said officials found that the two hydrants likely became blocked with debris and that residue had gotten stuck in the pipes. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for hydrant

Word History

Etymology

Greek hydr-, form in derivatives and compounds of hýdōr "water" + -ant entry 1 — more at hydro-

Note: Though the above is the only likely etymology, the formation is peculiar, as the suffix -ant is normally associated with verbs of French and/or Latin origin. This peculiarity suggests a deliberate coinage, but its source is apparently unknown. The word is attested earliest in Philadelphia city ordinances from the first decade of the nineteenth century.

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydrant was in 1806

Phrases Containing hydrant

Browse Nearby Words

hydrangea red
hydrant
hydranth
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hydrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrant. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hydrant

noun
hy·​drant ˈhī-drənt How to pronounce hydrant (audio)
: a pipe with a valve and spout at which water may be drawn from the main pipes

More from Merriam-Webster on hydrant

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for hydrant

Nglish: Translation of hydrant for Spanish Speakers

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