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

The massive 5,942-lb (2,695 kg) weight is somewhat disguised by a system that swaps traditional mechanical anti-roll bars for triple-stage adjustable air springs linked to a high-capacity central hydraulic pressure reservoir. — New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026

Prior to the refurbishment, the doors were controlled by hydraulic actuators. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Crews will use powerful hydraulic equipment to slowly raise part of the structure. — Aziza Shuler, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Issues documented included chemical burns and hydraulic fluid that leaked from a ride into someone’s eye, dislocated joints, concussions and broken bones. — Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 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