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
China officially began construction on the world’s largest hydroelectric dam in the middle of July 2025.
—
Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Last year, after decades of advocacy from Native tribes and environmental groups, four hydroelectric dams were removed from the Klamath, restoring about 45 miles of free-flowing river.
—AFAR Media, 14 July 2025
Of the 67% of renewable and clean-designated resources mentioned in Monday’s news release, 12% in 2023 came from large hydroelectric generation, another 12% came from nuclear power and the remaining 43% came from assorted renewable resources.
—Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
The diversion of water for a Southern California Edison hydroelectric plant reduces the flow of the Kern River for nearly 16 miles.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2025
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Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Last year, after decades of advocacy from Native tribes and environmental groups, four hydroelectric dams were removed from the Klamath, restoring about 45 miles of free-flowing river.
—AFAR Media, 14 July 2025
Of the 67% of renewable and clean-designated resources mentioned in Monday’s news release, 12% in 2023 came from large hydroelectric generation, another 12% came from nuclear power and the remaining 43% came from assorted renewable resources.
—Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
The diversion of water for a Southern California Edison hydroelectric plant reduces the flow of the Kern River for nearly 16 miles.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hydroelectric
Cite this Entry
“Hydroelectric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydroelectric. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.
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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