waterproof

American  

[waw-ter-proof, wot-er-] / ˈwɔ tərˌpruf, ˈwɒt ər- /

adjective

1. impervious to water.

2. rendered impervious to water by some special process, as coating or treating with rubber.

   a waterproof hat.

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noun

1. Chiefly British. a raincoat or other outer coat impervious to water.

2. any of several coated or rubberized fabrics that are impervious to water.

verb (used with object)

1. to make waterproof.

waterproof British  

/ ˈwɔːtəˌpruːf /

adjective

1. not penetrable by water Compare water-repellent water-resistant

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noun

1. a waterproof garment, esp a raincoat

verb

1. to make (a fabric, item of clothing, etc) waterproof

Usage

What does waterproof mean? If something is waterproof, water can’t soak it or get inside of it. For example, waterproof boots will keep your feet dry even if you walk in water. Waterproof is also commonly used as a verb meaning to make something waterproof, as in We need to waterproof this basement so it won’t flood during rainstorms. Waterproof is sometimes used in the U. K. as a noun to refer to a waterproof garment, especially a raincoat, as in It’s raining, so you’d better wear your waterproof. Example: Make sure you get a waterproof tent—the ones that are only water-resistant can still let the rain in.

Other Word Forms

• waterproofer
  noun
• waterproofness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of waterproof

First recorded in 1730–40; water + -proof

Explanation

Water can't penetrate something that's waterproof. Umbrellas and rain boots don't work very well if they're not waterproof. Waterproof jackets will keep you dry even if it starts to rain, and waterproof mascara won't run in black streaks down your face even if you're weeping at a sad movie. You can use this word as a verb, too: "We should waterproof the tent before we go camping this weekend — it's supposed to pour!" If you're British, you might also use waterproof as a noun, to mean a waterproof rain coat.

Example Sentences

Waterproof outdoor apparel and cosmetics, stain-resistant upholstery and carpets, food packaging that is designed to prevent liquid or grease from leaking through and certain firefighting equipment often contain PFAS.

From Salon • Jun. 26, 2023

Waterproof casing for the camera, which was set to film the challenge, had flooded meaning it might not have been accepted by Guinness World Records.

From BBC • Oct. 1, 2022

Waterproof Studios / SC Productions, Kinetic Media, and Bardel Entertainment will produce the animated series, but it’s still not clear where the series will air or if it’ll be a streaming exclusive.

From The Verge • Jul. 19, 2022

Waterproof cameras get dragged underwater like a fishing net or pulled above the surface to skip along with some hovering seabirds.

From New York Times • Jun. 29, 2022

“Hmm. I’ll need my Always Waterproof Fashion Ostrich Leash. And my Savory Pickled Ostrich Treats; those will help lure her, if she’s feeling skittish.”

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• rainproof