water-repellent
Americanadjective
adjective
Etymology
Origin of water-repellent
First recorded in 1895–1900
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How does water-repellent compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Since microplastics are also water repellent, the particles naturally stick to the algae when they meet in water.
From Science Daily • May 12, 2026
“The company phased out the substance in FY23, which had been used in durable water repellent products, a small percentage of our assortment,” the statement said.
From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026
But some researchers are working on hydrophobic nets, where a treatment using a botanical pesticide essentially makes the nets water repellent.
From BBC • Apr. 24, 2023
There are other connections to wildfires too, including increased hazards in wildfire burn scars, which can be waxy and water repellent.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2023
Performance knits need their own load, because they tend to be water repellent and require an enzyme booster or special booster to remove oils.
From Seattle Times • Aug. 30, 2021
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
