hydroelectric
adjective
hy·dro·elec·tric
ˌhī-drō-i-ˈlek-trik 
: of or relating to production of electricity by waterpower
constructed a hydroelectric power plant at the dam site
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The prime component of most hydroelectric systems is a dam. A high dam funnels water downward at high pressure to spin turbines, which in turn drive generators to produce high-voltage electricity. Mountainous countries with rushing rivers can produce the most hydroelectricity. Though hydroelectricity comes from a clean and completely renewable energy source, dams disrupt natural systems in a way that disturbs environmentalists.
Examples of hydroelectric in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The river and its tributaries provide water for about 5 million acres of cropland and pasture, hydroelectric power for millions of people, recreation in the Grand Canyon, and critical habitat for fish and other wildlife.
—
Sarah Porter, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2025
If that were to happen, water would no longer be able to flow through Glen Canyon Dam’s hydroelectric infrastructure, which delivers power to seven states — including Colorado.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 5 July 2025
The $5 billion dam, Africa’s biggest hydroelectric project, is expected to more than double electricity generation capacity in Ethiopia, where around 60% of the population lacks access to power.
—Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 4 July 2025
The House version would create a Community Energy Pilot Program, which would allow customers to opt into smaller, local projects for solar, wind, natural gas generators, biomass, hydroelectric or fuel cells.
—Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hydroelectric
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Sarah Porter, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2025
If that were to happen, water would no longer be able to flow through Glen Canyon Dam’s hydroelectric infrastructure, which delivers power to seven states — including Colorado.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 5 July 2025
The $5 billion dam, Africa’s biggest hydroelectric project, is expected to more than double electricity generation capacity in Ethiopia, where around 60% of the population lacks access to power.
—Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 4 July 2025
The House version would create a Community Energy Pilot Program, which would allow customers to opt into smaller, local projects for solar, wind, natural gas generators, biomass, hydroelectric or fuel cells.
—Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hydroelectric
Cite this Entry
“Hydroelectric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydroelectric. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hydroelectric
adjective
hy·dro·elec·tric
ˌhī-drō-i-ˈlek-trik
: of or relating to production of electricity by waterpower
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