hydrate

1 of 2

noun

hy·​drate ˈhī-ˌdrāt 

: a compound formed by the union of water with some other substance

hydrate

2 of 2

verb

hydrated; hydrating

transitive verb

1

: to cause to take up or combine with water or the elements of water

2

: to supply with ample fluid or moisture

hydrates and softens the skin

intransitive verb

: to become a hydrate

hydration

hī-ˈdrā-shən 

noun

hydrator

ˈhī-ˌdrā-tər 

noun

Examples of hydrate in a Sentence

Verb

lotions and creams that hydrate the skin

Drink fluids to hydrate the body.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Packing a hydrating mist In much of Europe, the heat is intense, especially during the summer. — Jamie Davis Smith, Travel + Leisure, 18 July 2026

Both formulas feature zinc oxide, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to provide physical sun protection, reduce redness and calm the complexion, and hydrate the skin. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 17 July 2026

The foundation is also infused with vitamin E, niacinamide, and Lactobacillus extract complex, which hydrate, as well as improve your skin’s tone and texture. — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026

So hit the water fountains, purchase hydrating beverages, and stash extra drinks in your car cooler. — Alicia Underlee Nelson, Midwest Living, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1802, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1846, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing hydrate

• chloral hydrate

Rhymes for hydrate

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

Kids Definition

hydrate

1 of 2 noun

hy·​drate ˈhī-ˌdrāt 

: a compound formed by the union of water with some other substance

a hydrate of copper sulfate

hydrate

2 of 2 verb

hydrated; hydrating

1

: to cause to take up or combine with water or the elements of water

2

: to supply with sufficient amounts of fluid or moisture

hydration

hī-ˈdrā-shən 

noun

Medical Definition

hydrate

1 of 2 noun

hy·​drate ˈhī-ˌdrāt 

: a compound (as Glauber's salt) formed by the union of water with some other substance

hydrate

2 of 2 verb

hydrated; hydrating

transitive verb

: to cause to take up or combine with water or the elements of water

intransitive verb

: to become a hydrate