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

Details of hydrant problem Frost said the contractors had been improperly operating hydrants and underground valves, disrupting the hydrants’ normal functions. —Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 21 May 2025

Such improvements are intended to prevent the sort of problems firefighters encountered as hydrants lost pressure and ran dry in some areas. —Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2025

Warning placards have been placed on hydrants, particularly in residential development areas. —Chuck Rupnow, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025

But experts previously told CNN there is no connection between water battles in Northern California and hydrants running dry during the LA fires. —Ella Nilsen, CNN, 24 Jan. 2025

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