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. 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 Word Forms

• waterproofer noun
• waterproofness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of waterproof¹

First recorded in 1730–40; water + -proof

Example Sentences

Pack a waterproof coat, hat, gloves, sturdy boots and a blanket to keep you warm in case you do get stuck or have to leave your car.

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The new equipment also included the most sophisticated metal detectors ever invented and waterproofed iPads that enabled the team’s divers to map the location of each new artifact that was discovered in real time.

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Her first tip is to use a waterproof runner underneath your favorite tablecloth, so your table stays protected from any spills and stains.

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He said a relative had given him a waterproof tent but that it was still flooded.

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These schemes commonly used external wall insulation, which involves fixing insulation boards to the exterior brickwork and then applying render to make it waterproof.

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Related Words

• rainproof 

When To Use

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.