hydrant

noun

hy·​drant ˈhī-drənt 

plural hydrants

1

: a discharge pipe with a valve and spout at which water may be drawn from a water main (as for fighting fires)

called also fireplug

2

: faucet

Examples of hydrant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Two firefighters came shortly thereafter to replace the leaky hydrant caps. —The Editors, Curbed, 2 Dec. 2024

No residential customers were affected by the water shutoff, although a landscaping service and a hydrant were temporarily impacted, said Jimena Garrison with Phoenix Water Services. —Karen Bartunek, The Arizona Republic, 11 Nov. 2024

The recommendation comes days after the city fixed a leaky Brooklyn hydrant that fed a homespun goldfish pond on the sidewalk. —Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 2 Nov. 2024

O'Brian said there are no hydrants in the area, so tanker trucks were needed to bring the water. —Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Greek hydr-, form in derivatives and compounds of hýdōr "water" + -ant entry 1 — more at hydro-

Note: Though the above is the only likely etymology, the formation is peculiar, as the suffix -ant is normally associated with verbs of French and/or Latin origin. This peculiarity suggests a deliberate coinage, but its source is apparently unknown. The word is attested earliest in Philadelphia city ordinances from the first decade of the nineteenth century.

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hydrant

• fire hydrant

Kids Definition

hydrant

noun

hy·​drant ˈhī-drənt 

: a pipe with a valve and spout at which water may be drawn from the main pipes