hydrant

noun

hy·​drant ˈhī-drənt 

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

Following the fire, Pernerewski said officials found that the hydrants likely became blocked with debris and the residue that got stuck in the pipes. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026

Firefighters lost water pressure from hydrants high in the hills, frustrating their efforts to combat the blaze. —Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 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

Keep hydrants clear so FDNY members can quickly get water on a fire. —Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 21 Mar. 2026

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

Phrases Containing hydrant

• fire hydrant

Kids Definition

hydrant

noun

hy·​drant ˈhī-drənt 

: a pipe with a valve and spout at which water may be drawn from the main pipes