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.

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water-resistant British  

adjective

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

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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

WSJ | Buy Side: Keep your body protected from the sun with these expert-approved, water-resistant sunscreens.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 13, 2026

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

I have one of those sports fabric shirts for breathability, and I put on a two-layer coat, so it has the thermal fleece on the inside and a water-resistant outer layer.

From Slate ● Feb. 24, 2026

Beavers were hunted to extinction in Britain 400 years ago for their meat, furry water-resistant pelts and a substance they secrete called castoreum - used in food, medicine and perfume.

From BBC ● Jun. 27, 2025

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 Norton, Andre