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 is water-repellent and was originally used on sailboats, external to make them glide better before being introduced to skiing in the 1980s.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

Burn scars are at particular risk because intense heat can make soil water-repellent, while the loss of vegetation can mean there aren’t enough roots to hold the soil in place.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 29, 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

Researchers reporting in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces have developed a simple, transparent coating that makes surfaces, like porcelain, more water-repellent.

From Science Daily • Nov. 29, 2023

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

From "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath