hydroelectric

American  

[hahy-droh-i-lek-trik] / ˌhaɪ droʊ ɪˈlɛk trɪk /

adjective

1. pertaining to the generation and distribution of electricity derived from the energy of falling water or any other hydraulic source.

---

hydroelectric British  

/ ˌhaɪdrəʊɪlɛkˈtrɪsɪtɪ, -ˌiːlɛk-, ˌhaɪdrəʊɪˈlɛktrɪk /

adjective

1. generated by the pressure of falling water

   hydroelectric power

2. of or concerned with the generation of electricity by water pressure

   a hydroelectric scheme

---

Other Word Forms

• hydroelectricity noun

Etymology

Origin of hydroelectric

First recorded in 1825–35; hydro- ¹ + electric

Example Sentences

"There is no scenario in which we can be dependent," he said on a visit to a hydroelectric dam in eastern France.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

The Syrian military said Sunday that it was in control of the Euphrates Dam and that government technicians were moving in to hand control of its water and hydroelectric facilities to the government in Damascus.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 18, 2026

He compared the process to a hydroelectric system.

From Science Daily • Jan. 5, 2026

He transitioned into a key negotiator with stakeholders including tribes and the federal government, leading to the takedown of four hydroelectric dams.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 30, 2025

It’s an enormous power line stretching across eleven hundred miles of jungle, connecting hydroelectric dams below Léopoldville to the distant southern mining region of Shaba.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver