water-resistant

American  

[waw-ter-ri-zis-tuhnt, wot-er-] / ˈwɔ tər rɪˌzɪs tənt, ˈwɒt ər- /

adjective

1. resisting though not entirely preventing the penetration of water.

---

water-resistant British  

adjective

1. (esp of fabrics) designed to resist but not entirely prevent the penetration of water

---

Etymology

Origin of water-resistant

First recorded in 1920–25

Compare meaning

How does water-resistant compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• water-repellent vs. water-resistant

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

water-resistant

Early in the process, Quezon, a historian and grandson of a former Philippine president, learned to his dismay that the local hardwood and water-resistant species used to build the galleons had long been wiped out.

From Barron's ● Apr. 28, 2026

It is a company making safety-compliant workboots and water-resistant cargo pants.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 2, 2026

The substances have incredibly strong bonds which giving them properties such as being water-resistant and oil-resistant and they are cheap to manufacture.

From BBC ● Feb. 2, 2026

The process resembles natural strategies seen in diving bell spiders, which carry air bubbles underwater, and in fire ants, which form floating rafts using their water-resistant bodies.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 30, 2026

At his side was his long bow, carefully wrapped in water-resistant flying-dragon skin, and from the belt which supported his short breeches of tanned duocorn hide swung a two-foot blade—half wood-knife, half sword.

From Star Born by Andre Norton