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

Crews deployed hose lines and secured a water line from a nearby hydrant, according to fire officials. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 2026

Chief Buxton said at least one hydrant's line appeared to be frozen. —Brandon Truitt, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026

Among the improvements include replacing 42 miles of aging water and wastewater pipeline and upgrading storage tanks, wells, pumping stations, hydrants, meters and wastewater plants, a news release from the company said. —Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026

Bella Livingston Fire destroyed an Anderson Township home early Monday as firefighters scrambled to find a hydrant that wasn’t frozen. —Cheryl Vari, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 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