hydrate

1 of 2

verb

hy·​drate ˈhī-ˌdrāt 

hydrated; hydrating; hydrates

transitive verb

1

: to supply with ample fluid or moisture

hydrates and softens the skin

… a canopy equipped with nozzles that rain down a cool mist to hydrate the desert air …

—Jane Stern et al.

2

: to cause to take up or combine with water or the elements of water : to make into a hydrate

intransitive verb

1

: to drink fluids so as to achieve or maintain proper levels of water in the body

It's important to hydrate during long periods of exercise.

Taking care of my hair reminds me to take care of me—to rest, to hydrate, to nourish myself inside and out.

—CeCe Olisa

2

: to absorb or become saturated with water

Letting the dough rest allows the flour to hydrate.

3

: to become a chemical hydrate

hydration

hī-ˈdrā-shən 

noun

hydrator

ˈhī-ˌdrā-tər 

noun

plural hydrators

hydrate

2 of 2

noun

: a compound formed by the union of water with some other substance

Examples of hydrate in a Sentence

Verb

lotions and creams that hydrate the skin

Drink fluids to hydrate the body.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Church bells, owl hoots and sprinklers keeping the grass hydrated during this dry spell fill the space between the occasional motor trudging along a main road devoid of commotion. — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

This lash-lengthening Maybelline mascara and a pack of hydrating lip balm from Burt’s Bees, a brand Margot Robbie has worn. — Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2026

Kérastase’s Densifique Bain Densité Shampoo can help, balancing a deep cleanse with density-boosting (and hydrating) ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and gluco-peptides, to plump the cuticle and reduce breakage from root-to-tip. — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 5 Sep. 2026

For a complete refresh post-flight, opt for a sculpting and hydrating Celestial Black Diamond ultimate lift facial with lead esthetician Christine Domenden. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1942, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Noun

1802, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hydrate

• chloral hydrate

Rhymes for hydrate

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

Kids Definition

hydrate

1 of 2 noun

hy·​drate ˈhī-ˌdrāt 

: a compound formed by the union of water with some other substance

a hydrate of copper sulfate

hydrate

2 of 2 verb

hydrated; hydrating

1

: to cause to take up or combine with water or the elements of water

2

: to supply with sufficient amounts of fluid or moisture

hydration

hī-ˈdrā-shən 

noun

Medical Definition

hydrate

1 of 2 noun

hy·​drate ˈhī-ˌdrāt 

: a compound (as Glauber's salt) formed by the union of water with some other substance

hydrate

2 of 2 verb

hydrated; hydrating

transitive verb

: to cause to take up or combine with water or the elements of water

intransitive verb

: to become a hydrate