hydrator: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Specialised/Commercial
Quick answer
What does “hydrator” mean?
A container, appliance, or substance specifically designed to add or retain moisture.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A container, appliance, or substance specifically designed to add or retain moisture.
1) (Cosmetics) A skin moisturizing product. 2) (Nutrition) A food item, often a fruit or vegetable, that provides significant water content to the body. 3) (Technical) A device or agent for introducing water vapor into an environment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In both varieties, the term is primarily associated with cosmetic products. The usage is near-identical, though American English has a slightly stronger association with the 'food-as-hydrator' concept.
Connotations
In both, the word has a modern, scientific, and slightly commercial feel compared to the more traditional 'moisturiser'.
Frequency
Low-frequency in general use. More common in specific commercial/beauty contexts. Roughly equal frequency in UK and US in those domains.
Grammar
How to Use “hydrator” in a Sentence
[hydrator] + for + [noun phrase (skin/hair)]Use/Put on/Apply + [hydrator]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hydrator” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable; the verb is 'hydrate'.]
American English
- [Not applicable; the verb is 'hydrate'.]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable.]
American English
- [Not applicable.]
adjective
British English
- [Not applicable; the related adjective is 'hydrating'.]
American English
- [Not applicable; the related adjective is 'hydrating'.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing copy for beauty and wellness products.
Academic
Rare; may appear in cosmetic chemistry or dermatology papers.
Everyday
Used when discussing skincare routines or healthy eating.
Technical
Can refer to equipment that adds moisture to air (humidifier) or a chemical compound that binds water.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hydrator”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hydrator”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hydrator”
- Confusing 'hydrator' (adds moisture) with 'dehydrator' (removes moisture).
- Using it as a general term for any cream, rather than one focused on water content.
- Misspelling as 'hydrater'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In everyday skincare talk, they are often used interchangeably. Technically, a hydrator adds water, while a moisturiser seals it in with oils, but many products do both.
Yes, informally. Foods with high water content (e.g., melon, soup) are sometimes called hydrators because they help hydrate the body.
It's not a high-frequency general vocabulary word. It's most common in the specific contexts of skincare, beauty marketing, and wellness/nutrition.
Its primary function is to increase the water content in the top layer of the skin (epidermis), which can improve skin's appearance, texture, and elasticity.
A container, appliance, or substance specifically designed to add or retain moisture.
Hydrator is usually specialised/commercial in register.
Hydrator: in British English it is pronounced /haɪˈdreɪ.tə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪ.dreɪ.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not idiomatic for this word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A HYDRATOR helps your face HYDRATE. It's like a mini water station (like a hydrant) for your skin.
Conceptual Metaphor
SKIN IS A LANDSCAPE (that needs watering). THE BODY IS A CONTAINER (that needs filling with fluid).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is LEAST likely to be described as a hydrator?