hydraulic
adjective
hy·drau·lic
hī-ˈdrȯ-lik 
1
: operated, moved, or effected by means of water
2
a
: of or relating to hydraulics
hydraulic engineer
b
: of or relating to water or other liquid in motion
hydraulic erosion
3
: operated by the resistance offered or the pressure transmitted when a quantity of liquid (such as water or oil) is forced through a comparatively small orifice or through a tube
hydraulic brakes
4
: hardening or setting under water
hydraulic cement
Did you know?
By means of a hydraulic lift, the driver can lift the bed of a dump truck with the touch of a button. He might also repair the hydraulic steering, the hydraulic brake, or the hydraulic clutch—all of which, like the lift that holds everything up, take advantage of the way liquids act under pressure. Somewhat like a pulley or a lever, a hydraulic system magnifies the effect of moderate pressure exerted over a longer distance into powerful energy for a shorter distance.
Examples of hydraulic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Considered a pioneer in hydraulic fracking, Hamm is one of the richest oil men in America and among the richest men in the world, according to Forbes.
—
Melanie Hicken, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
These efforts have helped lower electricity consumption by up to 75 percent compared to a conventional hydraulic elevator, according to Marks.
—Katherine Fung, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Authorities said that the victim, whom the Wichita Police Department identified as Phonesay Rasbandith of Wichita, was operating a hydraulic press when a metal piece separated and injured him.
—David Chiu, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Effective stopping power is provided by Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc brakes with 160-mm rotors.
—New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hydraulic
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Melanie Hicken, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
These efforts have helped lower electricity consumption by up to 75 percent compared to a conventional hydraulic elevator, according to Marks.
—Katherine Fung, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Authorities said that the victim, whom the Wichita Police Department identified as Phonesay Rasbandith of Wichita, was operating a hydraulic press when a metal piece separated and injured him.
—David Chiu, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Effective stopping power is provided by Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc brakes with 160-mm rotors.
—New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hydraulic
Cite this Entry
“Hydraulic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydraulic. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hydraulic
adjective
hy·drau·lic
hī-ˈdrȯ-lik
1
: operated, moved, or brought about by means of water
2
: of or relating to hydraulics
hydraulic engineer
3
: operated by pressure transmitted when a quantity of liquid is forced through a small hole or through a tube
hydraulic brakes
4
: hardening or setting under water
hydraulic cement
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share