hydration

American  

[hahy-dray-shuhn] / haɪˈdreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of supplying water to oneself, another person, or a part of the body.

2. the act or process of chemically hydrating something.

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Explanation

Hydration is what happens when something absorbs water. If your favorite plant is brown and droopy, it may need hydration — or it may be time to buy a new plant! Hydration comes from the verb hydrate, which was originally defined as "form a hydrate" (a chemical compound that includes water), but eventually came to also mean "to restore moisture." Whenever you moisten or add water to something, including drinking a nice big cold glass of water when you're thirsty, that's hydration.

Example Sentences

At the same time, the lower portion stays buried in moist soil, maintaining hydration even during dry conditions.

From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2026

“Snow fungus focuses on deep hydration and skin plumping, while red dates support circulation and a healthy glow,” Xie said, calling the concoction “a warm bowl of snow fungus and red date soup.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

When I book a facial while traveling, I’m not looking for heavy extractions or intensive treatments — just hydration and relaxation.

From Salon • Mar. 7, 2026

Taking daily collagen supplements can rejuvenate the skin by boosting elasticity and hydration or moisture - but it won't stop wrinkles, says a new scientific review.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

My father has always stressed the importance of diversification, and I like to think that I’ve acquired a diversified portfolio from my hydration business—a portfolio I plan to turn for a profit on eBay.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman