hydroelectric

1 of 2

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

hydroelectricity

2 of 2

noun

hy·​dro·​electricity "+ 

: electricity produced by water power

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

Adjective

This is one of Norway’s tallest waterfalls, and while most others in the country are used for hydroelectric power generation, Langfossen is still in its natural state. — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 16 July 2026

The Roanoke River flows from Virginia into North Carolina and has lower sections regulated by hydroelectric projects, according to Paddle Guide. — Mark Price july 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026

Other risks to metal production from El Nino include the potential for aluminum and zinc shortages caused by low water levels in hydroelectric dams in China’s southern Yunnan province. — Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Before launching, Momand told Sovietskaya Rossiya that his space mission would help identify Afghanistan’s mineral resources, assess hydroelectric potential and study glaciers and earthquake risks, according to the AP report. — ABC News, 30 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

International Scientific Vocabulary

Noun

hydr- + electricity

First Known Use

Adjective

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