hydroelectric

adjective

hy·​dro·​elec·​tric ˌhī-drō-i-ˈlek-trik How to pronounce hydroelectric (audio)
: of or relating to production of electricity by waterpower
constructed a hydroelectric power plant at the dam site
hydroelectrically adverb
hydroelectricity 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
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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 See All Example Sentences for hydroelectric

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydroelectric was in 1884

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Cite this Entry

“Hydroelectric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydroelectric. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

hydroelectric

adjective
hy·​dro·​elec·​tric ˌhī-drō-i-ˈlek-trik How to pronounce hydroelectric (audio)
: of or relating to production of electricity by waterpower
hydroelectricity noun

More from Merriam-Webster on hydroelectric

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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