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

Iron typically sits at the bottom of water mains, Eldridge said, but during heavy water usage — like during hydrant flushing or fire response — the iron gets stirred into the water. —Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025

Opponents of the area’s Dimes Square–ification founded an organization that documented all manner of bad behavior up and down Canal Street: bar patrons peeing in plants, splashes of vomit on doorsteps, and crowds blocking hydrants. —Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 11 June 2025

On Friday, another car was parked in front of the hydrant outside the Buddhist temple — as well as every hydrant on the block. —Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 28 Feb. 2025

The worst placard abusers are the police, who park on sidewalks, in front of hydrants, and in traffic lanes, bus lanes, and bike lanes. —Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 5 May 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