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 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

U.S. policymakers sought to out-compete the Soviet Union and to win Afghans’ hearts and minds with all kinds of infrastructure and investment: universities, hospitals, highways, hydroelectric dams, irrigation projects and more.

From Salon • Dec. 13, 2025

At the lake’s western end, where the Little Tennessee River flows into it, stands a big hydroelectric dam, 480 feet high, built by the Tennessee Valley Authority in the 1930s.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson