hydroponics

noun

hy·​dro·​pon·​ics ˌhī-drə-ˈpä-niks 

plural in form but singular in construction

: the growing of plants in nutrient solutions with or without an inert medium (such as soil) to provide mechanical support

hydroponic

ˌhī-drə-ˈpä-nik 

adjective

hydroponically

ˌhī-drə-ˈpä-ni-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Did you know?

Hydroponics, also known as aquaculture or tank farming, began as a way of studying scientifically the mechanisms of plant nutrition. Hydroponically grown plants may have no solid material under them at all; instead, their roots often simply hang in water with a rich mix of nutrients dissolved in it. The principal advantage to hydroponics is the savings from reduced labor costs, since it's generally carried on in enclosed areas and the irrigation and fertilizing are done mechanically. Peppers, cucumbers, and various other vegetables are produced hydroponically in huge quantities.

Examples of hydroponics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The store will sell hydroponics kits at various levels of completion. —Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025

The LetPot Max hydroponics growing system features flexible trays that can be used as a 21-pod or two-pod system for growing both small and large plants. —Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

hydr- + -ponics (as in geoponics agriculture)

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hydroponics

• avionics
• electronics
• histrionics
• nucleonics
• ultrasonics
• conics
• onyx
• phonics
• sonics
• tonics
• harmonics
• ionics

Kids Definition

hydroponics

noun

hy·​dro·​pon·​ics ˌhī-drə-ˈpän-iks 

: the growing of plants in nutrient solutions

hydroponic

-ik 

adjective