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

When the fire reignited a week later, there was neither enough water in the hydrants nor enough firefighters on hand. —Dana Goodyear, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026

The suits contend that part of the reason for the dry hydrants is that the LADWP’s 117-million-gallon reservoir in Pacific Palisades had been empty for nearly a year, awaiting repairs. —Tony Saavedra, Daily News, 6 Jan. 2026

The cars that were blocking the hydrants were impounded, and their owners were issued summonses. —Vanessa Murdock, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026

Crews encountered a frozen hydrant, the release said, but were able to establish an alternate water supply and extinguish the fire. —Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 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