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
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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
Two hydroelectric dams on Washington’s Elwha River were removed in 2011 and 2014 after the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and others lobbied for their removal for decades.
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Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026
Threats to the Banbury Springs limpet include habitat modification due to hydroelectric dams, decreased groundwater quality and competition from nonnative species such as the New Zealand mudsnail, according to the Idaho Governor’s Office of Species Conservation.
—Idaho Statesman, 22 Apr. 2026
By 2030 Hurtigruten and Ponant aim to debut zero-emissions ships that tap into hydroelectric energy, solar power, and wind propulsion.
—Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Apr. 2026
State officials said when the equipment is working at full capacity, the hydroelectric turbines can move nearly one-third more water through the dam than previously, pumping an additional 2,000 cubic feet per second.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
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Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026
Threats to the Banbury Springs limpet include habitat modification due to hydroelectric dams, decreased groundwater quality and competition from nonnative species such as the New Zealand mudsnail, according to the Idaho Governor’s Office of Species Conservation.
—Idaho Statesman, 22 Apr. 2026
By 2030 Hurtigruten and Ponant aim to debut zero-emissions ships that tap into hydroelectric energy, solar power, and wind propulsion.
—Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Apr. 2026
State officials said when the equipment is working at full capacity, the hydroelectric turbines can move nearly one-third more water through the dam than previously, pumping an additional 2,000 cubic feet per second.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hydroelectric
Cite this Entry
“Hydroelectric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydroelectric. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hydroelectric
adjective
hy·dro·elec·tric
ˌhī-drō-i-ˈlek-trik
: of or relating to production of electricity by waterpower
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