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
Recent Examples on the Web
Stopping power is still provided by hydraulic brakes with 180-mm rotors, but the new models sports Star Union brakes front and rear, along with a new parking brake mechanism.
—
New Atlas, 12 July 2025
Built initially by Napoleon, these caverns offer a rare glimpse into 19th-century hydraulic engineering.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
With an output of roughly 212 hp, the car has its speed scrubbed by four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 7 July 2025
It's got hydraulic disc brakes (Shimano MT200) for precise control and microSHIFT ADVENT x 1 x 10 drivetrain, which shifts nicely.
—Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hydraulic
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New Atlas, 12 July 2025
Built initially by Napoleon, these caverns offer a rare glimpse into 19th-century hydraulic engineering.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
With an output of roughly 212 hp, the car has its speed scrubbed by four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 7 July 2025
It's got hydraulic disc brakes (Shimano MT200) for precise control and microSHIFT ADVENT x 1 x 10 drivetrain, which shifts nicely.
—Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 5 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 16 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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