waterproof

American  

[waw-ter-proof, wot-er-] / ˈwɔ tərˌpruf, ˈwɒt ər- /

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 British  

/ 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

Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

• waterproofer noun
• waterproofness noun

Etymology

Origin of waterproof

First recorded in 1730–40; water + -proof

Example Sentences

They have been used in many everyday products, including Teflon pans, waterproof clothing, and some food packaging.

From Science Daily

Everything was waterproof, and we had emergency supplies.

From Los Angeles Times

She also told me to identify the biggest sources of exposure in my home - change my cookware, use a water filter, switch cleaning products, check my make-up and hair-colouring and be wary of "waterproof" labels.

From BBC

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.

From BBC

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.

From Literature

Related Words

• rainproof