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

Leakage worries are normal but Dr Tempest says they are reliable for most people and have a built-in waterproof layer and odour lining.

From BBC

The school's website stated students must wear black leather or "leather-like" waterproof shoes, but does not explicitly ban trainers.

From BBC

It is not known what he was wearing when last seen, but police said he was an experienced hillwalker and was likely to have been wearing walking boots, a waterproof jacket and carrying a rucksack.

From BBC

The works then progresses over the following months to bridge waterproofing, concrete repairs, resurfacing, expansion joint replacements, edge beam strengthening, and barrier upgrades.

From BBC

But it never hurts to bring waterproofs just in case, and some drizzle is forecast by Monday afternoon.

From BBC

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.