hydroelectric

adjective

hy·​dro·​elec·​tric ˌhī-drō-i-ˈlek-trik 

: of or relating to production of electricity by waterpower

constructed a hydroelectric power plant at the dam site

hydroelectrically

ˌhī-drō-i-ˈlek-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

hydroelectricity

ˌhī-drō-i-ˌlek-ˈtri-sə-tē 

-ˈtri-stē

noun

Did you know?

The prime component of most hydroelectric systems is a dam. A high dam funnels water downward at high pressure to spin turbines, which in turn drive generators to produce high-voltage electricity. Mountainous countries with rushing rivers can produce the most hydroelectricity. Though hydroelectricity comes from a clean and completely renewable energy source, dams disrupt natural systems in a way that disturbs environmentalists.

Examples of hydroelectric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Lower water levels in lakes and rivers are significantly curbing essential hydroelectric generation at sites such as the Hoover Dam in the western United States. — Johannes Teyssen, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026

The Vulcan Street Plant, the first commercial hydroelectric power plant, began operation in Appleton, Wisconsin. — USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026

Three other similar crypto farms were found last year in the vicinity of the nearby hydroelectric dam in northern Puebla. — CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026

It was then converted into a hydroelectric dam for energy production. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hydroelectric

• nonelectric
• bioelectric
• ferroelectric
• isoelectric
• photoelectric
• pyroelectric
• thermoelectric
• dielectric
• electric
• piezoelectric

Kids Definition

hydroelectric

adjective

hy·​dro·​elec·​tric ˌhī-drō-i-ˈlek-trik 

: of or relating to production of electricity by waterpower

hydroelectricity

-ˌlek-ˈtris-ət-ē 

-ˈtris-tē

noun