water-repellent

American  

[waw-ter-ri-pel-uhnt, wot-er-] / ˈwɔ tər rɪˌpɛl ənt, ˈwɒt ər- /

adjective

1. having a finish that resists but is not impervious to water.

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water-repellent British  

adjective

1. (of fabrics, garments, etc) having a finish that resists the absorption of water

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Etymology

Origin of water-repellent

First recorded in 1895–1900

Compare meaning

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

• water-repellent vs. water-resistant

Example Sentences

It previously had used the chemicals in durable water-repellent garments, which accounted for a small portion of the products it sold.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

The NWS had warned that two 'burn scars' around Ruidoso were high risk for flash-flooding, as the charred soil left behind by last year's wildfires would be "as water-repellent as a pavement".

From BBC • Jul. 9, 2025

High-intensity rain — more than half an inch per hour — can wreak havoc on burned areas, increasing the likelihood of flooding and landslides on soil made water-repellent by fire.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2025

Clean gravel has been washed of debris that could form a water-repellent crust in the mulch and support weed growth.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 12, 2024

I had asked the salesgirl, "Is it water-repellent?"

From "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath