fire hydrant

American  

noun

1. a hydrant for use in extinguishing fires.

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fire hydrant British  

noun

1. Also called (esp US and NZ): fireplug.  a hydrant for use as an emergency supply for fighting fires, esp one in a street

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Etymology

Origin of fire hydrant

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

In May, a well on the Pecos County property of Laura Briggs started spraying saltwater like a fire hydrant.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

Thursday morning, striking a fire hydrant and tree.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2025

"We've lived here for 26 years and we've never seen it tested," he says about the fire hydrant at the end of his block that failed to draw water when it was needed most.

From BBC • Jan. 10, 2025

In a recent interview, Mr. Navarro recalled that, in a heated Oval Office argument, Mr. Cohn “lifted his leg on me,” making a gesture like a dog at a fire hydrant.

From New York Times • Dec. 4, 2024

I will paint los ninos scooping up laughter in the sunshine and splashing in the temporary pool of a fire hydrant.

From "Bronx Masquerade" by Nikki Grimes