watertight

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

adjective

1. constructed or fitted so tightly as to be impervious to water.

   The ship had six watertight compartments.

2. so devised or planned as to be impossible to defeat, evade, or nullify.

   a watertight contract; a watertight alibi.

watertight

/ ˈwɔːtəˌtaɪt /

adjective

1. not permitting the passage of water either in or out

   a watertight boat

2. without loopholes

   a watertight argument

3. kept separate from other subjects or influences

   different disciplines are often thought of in watertight compartments

Other Word Forms

• watertightness noun
• nonwatertight adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of watertight¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; water, tight

Example Sentences

While last Saturday's 2-2 draw may have put a small dent in Arsenal's Premier League title charge, their four-point lead at the top of the table has undoubtedly been built on a watertight defence.

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The comforting, murmuring sound was like the lap of waves against the hull of a watertight ship, and she slept as well as she ever had in her life.

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In the late 1860s, it got a huge boost with the introduction of a diving helmet fitted to a watertight suit.

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All of this will need to be watertight to prevent a clash with the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg where complaints might be lodged that the UK has gone too far.

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"But would I say the process is watertight? Absolutely not."

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Related Words

• immune 
• impassable 
• impenetrable 
• inaccessible 
• invulnerable 
• resistant 
• unaffected 
• unmoved