hydrated; hydrating; hydrates
Synonyms of hydrate

transitive verb

1
: to supply with ample fluid or moisture
hydrates and softens the skin
… a canopy equipped with nozzles that rain down a cool mist to hydrate the desert air …Jane Stern et al.
2
: to cause to take up or combine with water or the elements of water : to make into a hydrate

intransitive verb

1
: to drink fluids so as to achieve or maintain proper levels of water in the body
It's important to hydrate during long periods of exercise.
Taking care of my hair reminds me to take care of me—to rest, to hydrate, to nourish myself inside and out.CeCe Olisa
2
: to absorb or become saturated with water
Letting the dough rest allows the flour to hydrate.
3
: to become a chemical hydrate

hydrate

2 of 2

noun

: a compound formed by the union of water with some other substance

Examples of hydrate in a Sentence

Verb lotions and creams that hydrate the skin Drink fluids to hydrate the body.
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.
Verb
With a light, silky texture, the brand’s body balm combines the hydrating properties of a body lotion with the anti-aging effects of a potent serum. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026 Unsurprisingly, the formulas speak the same language, pairing nourishing, botanical-forward ingredients (like sunflower oil and rosemary extract) with lightweight textures designed to hydrate, smooth, and style without piling on the weight. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026 As for full-body treatments, the Prickly Pear Sugar Scrub draws on Sonoran Desert botanicals like prickly pear and calendula extract, combined with cane-sugar-rich oils and hydrating body butter, for a thoroughly rejuvenating exfoliation. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026 The fragrance-free formula contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which are the best lightweight, skin-brightening humectants for hydrating parched skin. Irene Richardson, InStyle, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hydrate

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1942, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Noun

1802, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydrate was in 1802

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

hydrate

1 of 2 noun
: a compound formed by the union of water with some other substance
a hydrate of copper sulfate

hydrate

2 of 2 verb
hydrated; hydrating
1
: to cause to take up or combine with water or the elements of water
2
: to supply with sufficient amounts of fluid or moisture

Medical Definition

hydrate

1 of 2 noun
: a compound (as Glauber's salt) formed by the union of water with some other substance

hydrate

2 of 2 verb
hydrated; hydrating

transitive verb

: to cause to take up or combine with water or the elements of water

intransitive verb

: to become a hydrate

More from Merriam-Webster on hydrate

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!