hydrant

noun

hy·​drant ˈhī-drənt How to pronounce hydrant (audio)
plural hydrants
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.
O'Brian said there are no hydrants in the area, so tanker trucks were needed to bring the water. Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, 26 Nov. 2024 The firefighters also found themselves up against low water pressure issues, with at least one dead hydrant. ABC News, 15 Oct. 2024 The agency has long described the dribbling hydrant as a safety hazard. John Bacon, USA TODAY, 27 Oct. 2024 The first two fire engines reported difficulty securing a water source because some of the hydrants were not operating. Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, 24 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near hydrant

Cite this Entry

“Hydrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrant. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

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

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