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.

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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

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Other Word Forms

• hydroelectricity noun

Etymology

Origin of hydroelectric

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

Example Sentences

The hydroelectric facility is meant to power the second phase, bringing the data center to hit 1.5 GW capacity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Indonesia stripped more than two dozen permits from forestry, mining and hydroelectric companies in Sumatra Tuesday, a government minister said, just weeks after deadly floods devastated parts of the island.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 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

Located near the Taedong River, its grounds lie at the entrance to Valley 2, not far from the hydroelectric dam and factories that make glassware and porcelain.

From "Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West" by Blaine Harden