waterproof

[ waw-ter-proof, wot-er- ]

adjective

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

   a waterproof hat.

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

/ ˈwɔːtəˌpruːf /

adjective

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

noun

1. a waterproof garment, esp a raincoat

verb

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

Other Words From

• water·proofer noun
• water·proofness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of waterproof¹

First recorded in 1730–40; water + -proof

Example Sentences

Keep in mind, this model is less water-resistant than others, so if you foresee rain during an all-day hunt, look for something that is guaranteed waterproof.

From Popular-Science

The best heated vests for women will also be waterproof, machine washable, and have batteries that can handle hours of runtime.

From Popular-Science

If you opt for the mitten route when performing snow sports, be sure to get a waterproof pair so that your hands remain dry when you land in the snow.

From Popular-Science

Be careful to investigate whether the gloves you’re considering are truly waterproof.

From Popular-Science

If you happen to be in a rather wet environment, we suggest finding a trapper hat with a waterproof exterior.

From Popular-Science

But then, against all odds, it turned out that somehow, it had held its own and remained waterproof.

From The Daily Beast

So they had to make me this waterproof renaissance gown and I would have to descend into the hot tub for rehearsal.

From The Daily Beast

The money was packaged in waterproof containers and thrown out of small, fixed-wing aircrafts over the ship.

From The Daily Beast

But tears were not the things to find their way to Mr. Bumbles soul; his heart was waterproof.

From Project Gutenberg

In rainy weather Hepzebiah wears a blue waterproof with a little hood but the ducks do not need anything like that.

From Project Gutenberg

Rubbers and waterproof were hurried on, and Tessa was left alone with the fire, the rain, and her work.

From Project Gutenberg

I had some doubtfully clean straw and my coat and waterproof, but I found it cold all the same.

From Project Gutenberg

The Duke of Cambridge, wrapped in a waterproof coat, spent most of the night riding about among his men.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• rainproof

More About Waterproof

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.

Where does waterproof come from?

The first records of waterproof come from the 1600s, but it wasn’t used in its current sense until the 1700s. The suffix -proof means “impervious or resistant to,” and is used in words like fireproof and bulletproof.

If something is waterproof, it means it is completely impervious or resistant to water—water won’t damage it, penetrate it, or otherwise change it. Sometimes, there’s no harm in getting wet, but water can damage things (like electronics) or make them uncomfortable (like socks). A lot of outdoor gear, like gloves, boots, and raincoats, is often labeled as waterproof or water-resistant, but these two things are not the same. If you want a raincoat that is truly impervious to all water, you want a waterproof one. Water-resistant means it will repel water but some water may still be able to penetrate the surface. Of course, truly waterproof items are often more expensive.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to waterproof?

• waterproofer (noun)
• waterproofness (noun)

What are some words that share a root or word element with waterproof? 

• fireproof
• bulletproof
• foolproof
• childproof

What are some words that often get used in discussing waterproof?

• water
• wet
• moisture
• coating
• seal
• barrier
• raincoat

What are some words waterproof may be commonly confused with?

• water-resistant

How is waterproof used in real life?

Many products are made to specifically be waterproof, and the word is often used as a selling point when advertising such items.

Almost stuck my phone in the pool forgetting that it ain’t waterproof anymore …

— Lyssa⁷ LOVES TEN | WAYV 🎫 (@U10vely) April 7, 2020

 

UPDATE: Jubilee Bridge, Barrow. Our contractor is waterproofing the opening span of the bridge (the orange strip) to prevent water getting through the bridge deck and damaging the steelwork underneath. The contractor will then resurface over the protective layer tomorrow evening. pic.twitter.com/wSG2osrubk

— Cumbria County Council (@CumbriaCC) July 11, 2018

OK trying to be an actual adult this year…. Please can people hit me with your waterproof raincoat suggestions plz? And I mean REALLY waterproof not just drizzle proof

— Jade-Emily Till (@greendayjade) June 4, 2019

 

Try using waterproof!

True or False?

Something labeled water-resistant is usually the same as something labeled waterproof.