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

hydraulically

hī-ˈdrȯ-li-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

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

Braking comes in the form of DOT hydraulic brakes with six-piston calipers and large 220-mm rotors. —New Atlas, 15 May 2026

While this is the first unit for the vessel, the second RITM-200 reactor destined for Leningrad is currently being prepared for hydraulic testing. —Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 15 May 2026

Also on the Gulf coast, Sandpearl Resort offers a spa package called Nap Therapy that uses hydraulic beds designed to simulate zero gravity, aromatherapy and constant light massage. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026

Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater Beach, Florida, takes a different approach with Nap Therapy — a spa session on hydraulic zero-gravity beds where guests are encouraged to fall asleep during the treatment. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin hydraulicus, from Greek hydraulikos, from hydraulis hydraulic organ, from hydr- + aulos reed instrument — more at alveolus

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hydraulic

• hydraulic fracturing

Rhymes for hydraulic

• bucolic
• carbolic
• embolic
• glycolic
• phenolic
• podzolic
• symbolic
• systolic
• alcoholic
• anabolic
• apostolic
• catabolic

Kids 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

hydraulically

-ˈdrȯ-li-k(ə-)lē 

adverb