: a compound formed by the union of water with some other substance
hydrated; hydrating
1
: to cause to take up or combine with water or the elements of water
2
: to supply with ample fluid or moisture
hydrates and softens the skin
: to become a hydrate
Examples of hydrate in a Sentence
Verb
lotions and creams that hydrate the skin
Drink fluids to hydrate the body.
Recent Examples on the Web
Caroline Shannon Karasik, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026
Resting the matzo ball dough for at least 35 minutes gives the matzo meal time to hydrate, producing light, tender balls.
—Molly Baz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Mar. 2026
While plain water remains the gold standard for hydration, beverage alternatives such as coconut water and coconut milk are often marketed for their hydrating properties.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 12 Mar. 2026
The baked powder formula is infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid and white rose extract to soothe and plump the skin, plus mica—a soft-focus powder that diffuses the look of texture.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hydrate
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Verb
According to Smith, people with normal and oily skin can often use standard formulas, whereas those with dry or mature skin should opt for hydrating ones to prevent irritation and creasing.
—Caroline Shannon Karasik, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026
Resting the matzo ball dough for at least 35 minutes gives the matzo meal time to hydrate, producing light, tender balls.
—Molly Baz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Mar. 2026
While plain water remains the gold standard for hydration, beverage alternatives such as coconut water and coconut milk are often marketed for their hydrating properties.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 12 Mar. 2026
The baked powder formula is infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid and white rose extract to soothe and plump the skin, plus mica—a soft-focus powder that diffuses the look of texture.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hydrate
Cite this Entry
“Hydrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrate. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hydrate
1 of 2 noun
hy·drate
ˈhī-ˌdrāt 
: a compound formed by the union of water with some other substance
a hydrate of copper sulfate
hydrate
2 of 2 verb
hydrated; hydrating
1
: to cause to take up or combine with water or the elements of water
2
: to supply with sufficient amounts of fluid or moisture
Medical Definition
hydrate
1 of 2 noun
hy·drate
ˈhī-ˌdrāt
: a compound (as Glauber's salt) formed by the union of water with some other substance
hydrate
2 of 2 verb
hydrated; hydrating
: to cause to take up or combine with water or the elements of water
: to become a hydrate
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