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

The city is investigating an incident Jan. 23 where a hydrant near Fulton Road and Ironwood Drive was illegally accessed, which resulted in residential water quality submissions in Copper Hills and Oak Tree neighborhoods. —Chuck Rupnow, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025

The town added water pipes and hydrants that drew from nearby Willow Creek, and eventually the building was used as a dance hall, a jail (added to the rear in 1927) and a day care before its 1980 closure. —John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 30 Jan. 2025

The areas have supplied hydrants with water from nearby reservoirs and water tanks but have since needed to transport water in, per the Los Angeles Water and Power Department. —Jenny Goldsberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 Jan. 2025

After the fires erupted, Trump ridiculously blamed Newsom for water hydrants going dry in Pacific Palisades. —George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025

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