hydraulic
adjective
hy·drau·lic
hī-ˈdrȯ-lik 
1
: operated, moved, or effected by means of water
2
a
: of or relating to hydraulics
hydraulic engineer
b
: of or relating to water or other liquid in motion
hydraulic erosion
3
: operated by the resistance offered or the pressure transmitted when a quantity of liquid (such as water or oil) is forced through a comparatively small orifice or through a tube
hydraulic brakes
4
: hardening or setting under water
hydraulic cement
Did you know?
By means of a hydraulic lift, the driver can lift the bed of a dump truck with the touch of a button. He might also repair the hydraulic steering, the hydraulic brake, or the hydraulic clutch—all of which, like the lift that holds everything up, take advantage of the way liquids act under pressure. Somewhat like a pulley or a lever, a hydraulic system magnifies the effect of moderate pressure exerted over a longer distance into powerful energy for a shorter distance.
Examples of hydraulic in a Sentence
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The eMTB rolls on 29-inch double-wall rims wrapped in 2.6-inch Maxxis Minion tubeless-ready grippy tires, while effective stopping power is provided by Tektro quad-piston hydraulic disc brakes.
—
Paul Ridden
july 23, New Atlas, 23 July 2025
Designed by Fulvio De Simoni, the launch blended aggressive styling and high-performance engineering with what were then advanced features such as hydraulic gangways and radar arches.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 23 July 2025
The plan, Waldrop said, was the result of extensive hydraulic studies.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2025
The rescue was complicated by first responders not having a hydraulic rescue tool — often called a Jaws of Life — readily available.
—Toria Sheffield, People.com, 14 July 2025
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Paul Ridden
july 23, New Atlas, 23 July 2025
Designed by Fulvio De Simoni, the launch blended aggressive styling and high-performance engineering with what were then advanced features such as hydraulic gangways and radar arches.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 23 July 2025
The plan, Waldrop said, was the result of extensive hydraulic studies.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2025
The rescue was complicated by first responders not having a hydraulic rescue tool — often called a Jaws of Life — readily available.
—Toria Sheffield, People.com, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hydraulic
Cite this Entry
“Hydraulic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydraulic. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hydraulic
adjective
hy·drau·lic
hī-ˈdrȯ-lik
1
: operated, moved, or brought about by means of water
2
: of or relating to hydraulics
hydraulic engineer
3
: operated by pressure transmitted when a quantity of liquid is forced through a small hole or through a tube
hydraulic brakes
4
: hardening or setting under water
hydraulic cement
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