hydrate

1 of 2

noun

hy·​drate ˈhī-ˌdrāt 

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

hydrate

2 of 2

verb

hydrated; hydrating

transitive verb

1

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

2

: to supply with ample fluid or moisture

hydrates and softens the skin

intransitive verb

: to become a hydrate

hydration

hī-ˈdrā-shən 

noun

hydrator

ˈhī-ˌdrā-tər 

noun

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

It’s also infused with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and soothe the skin. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 2 Aug. 2026

The matte formula of this Mac lipstick delivers bold color payoff comfortably thanks to hydrating ingredients like castor seed oil. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026

For inland lakes and reservoirs, just be sure to bring plenty of water to hydrate and sunscreen to avoid quick burns. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026

The jelly texture, infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid, glides on effortlessly for a smooth, comfortable feel. — Allure Editors, Allure, 31 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1802, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1846, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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