dehydration

noun

de·​hy·​dra·​tion ˌdē-ˌhī-ˈdrā-shən How to pronounce dehydration (audio)
Synonyms of dehydrationnext
: the process of dehydrating
especially : an abnormal depletion of body fluids

Examples of dehydration in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
He was fitted with a pacemaker in 2024 and in February, he was hospitalized while on a trip to Tenerife, where he was treated for an infection and dehydration. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Why Water Is the Best Choice Water helps prevent dehydration, which is especially important for kidney health. — Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 25 Aug. 2026 In Kenya, pastoralists have a higher risk of dehydration at high ambient temperatures, which have become more frequent. — Anne Pisor, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026 For severe dehydration, IV drips are described as effective, but for mild cases most people can recover simply by drinking water. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dehydration

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dehydration was in 1840

Rhymes for dehydration

See All Rhymes for dehydration

Browse Nearby Words

dehydrate
dehydration
dehydrator
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dehydration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dehydration. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

dehydration

noun
de·​hy·​dra·​tion ˌdē-hī-ˈdrā-shən How to pronounce dehydration (audio)
: the process of dehydrating
especially : an abnormal depletion of body fluids

More from Merriam-Webster on dehydration

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dehydration

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dehydration

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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