wa·ter·proof
ˈwȯ-tər-ˌprüf 
ˈwä-
: impervious to water
especially
: covered or treated with a material (such as a solution of rubber) to prevent permeation by water
waterproofness
noun
waterproofed; waterproofing; waterproofs
: to make waterproof
waterproofer
noun
Synonyms
Examples of waterproof in a Sentence
Adjective
This suntan lotion is waterproof.
luckily, my backpack is waterproof, so my clothes didn't get wet
Noun
remember your waterproof if you're walking around London in the winter
Verb
He waterproofed the deck by applying sealer to it.
Recent Examples on the Web
Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 6 Apr. 2024
On sale for up to 41 percent off right now, the Hunter Play Short Boots are made of 100 percent waterproof vegan rubber and are lined with recycled polyester.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 5 Apr. 2024
Your Questions, Answered Are fireproof safes also waterproof?
—Nicole Pyles, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Mar. 2024
The floating toy is completely waterproof, which is ideal for quick and convenient drying.
—Christin Perry, Parents, 29 Mar. 2024
If you're not fussed whether your wireless earbuds are particularly waterproof, but are looking for a pair that offer good noise cancellation for the price, then our experts recommend the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2.
—Kegan Mooney, PCMAG, 21 Mar. 2024
These wands are waterproof, allowing for use in the shower.
—Isabella Ubaldi, Health, 20 Mar. 2024
Plus, the waterproof membrane will keep your feet nice and dry, while the mesh upper ensures plenty of breathability.
—Hannah Freedman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Mar. 2024
With decent performance, long battery life, and a high quality build that is waterproof rated IP68, this tablet can go anywhere and everywhere with you.
—Jade Chung-Lee, PCMAG, 22 Mar. 2024
Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2024
Made of waterproof and durable polyester, the pack has mesh on the backside for breathability.
—Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2024
Boasting two ultra-wide lenses, the waterproof Insta360 X3 is the perfect action camera for capturing high-quality 360 HDR video footage.
—Cierra Cowan, PCMAG, 1 Feb. 2024
And using AirTags just got even easier thanks to these convenient waterproof AirTag covers that banish the risk of spills, sweat, rain, and water.
—Chaunie Brusie, Travel + Leisure, 18 Apr. 2023
Get more mileage from your favorite cleanser with the waterproof, shower-friendly PMD Clean Facial Cleansing Device, which deploys over 7,000 vibrations per minute to ensure a deeper, more satisfying cleanse.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 26 Oct. 2023
The mortar of China’s Great Wall and Forbidden City was made with starch and sticky rice, while the Roman architect Vitruvius, in his book De Architectura, recommends cooking oil as a means to make lime waterproof.
—Tim Brinkhof, Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2023
Footwear from the collaborative collection includes the UGG Classic Ultra Mini silhouette ($325), a waterproof take on the shoemaker’s popular Tasman X clog ($195), and two outdoor slides that were inspired by signature UGG slippers that feature embroidery and patchworked sheepskin.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2023
This is combined with Carhartt’s Storm Defender waterproof and breathable membrane to provide extreme protection against mud and water.
—Bob Beacham, Field & Stream, 1 Nov. 2023
Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 20 Mar. 2024
Burners were more focused on waterproofing their tents, music equipment and art cars with trash bags and tarps, securing them with bungee cords to hold items that can fly away.
—Asli Pelit, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2023
Additional restoration scheduled for later this spring will include waterproofing the fountain base — and, alas, shutting the fountain off again for about six weeks.
—Justin Wm. Moyer, Washington Post, 14 Aug. 2017
As Amazon’s best-selling hairspray, this award-winning product acts as a heat protectant and waterproofs your hair, and its effects last through three to four shampoos.
—Claire Harmeyer, Peoplemag, 12 July 2023
Simply waterproofing the church wouldn’t be enough.
—John Kelly, Washington Post, 24 Apr. 2023
Since gelatin is water-soluble, scientists treated the mittens with an epoxy resin, formaldehyde and wool grease, or lanolin, to waterproof the mittens without diminishing their flexibility.
—Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 29 July 2015
The researchers suggest Romans used the jars for both red and white winemaking and the pine residue found was part of the tar that helped to seal and waterproof the amphorae.
—Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 29 June 2022
To waterproof the stall, white ceramic subway tile over cement board runs floor to ceiling and wraps the edges of the window recess.
—Kit Selzer, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2022
Adjective
These waterproof walking shoes are an ideal companion for springtime strolls.
—Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 6 Apr. 2024
On sale for up to 41 percent off right now, the Hunter Play Short Boots are made of 100 percent waterproof vegan rubber and are lined with recycled polyester.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 5 Apr. 2024
Your Questions, Answered Are fireproof safes also waterproof?
—Nicole Pyles, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Mar. 2024
The floating toy is completely waterproof, which is ideal for quick and convenient drying.
—Christin Perry, Parents, 29 Mar. 2024
If you're not fussed whether your wireless earbuds are particularly waterproof, but are looking for a pair that offer good noise cancellation for the price, then our experts recommend the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2.
—Kegan Mooney, PCMAG, 21 Mar. 2024
These wands are waterproof, allowing for use in the shower.
—Isabella Ubaldi, Health, 20 Mar. 2024
Plus, the waterproof membrane will keep your feet nice and dry, while the mesh upper ensures plenty of breathability.
—Hannah Freedman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Mar. 2024
With decent performance, long battery life, and a high quality build that is waterproof rated IP68, this tablet can go anywhere and everywhere with you.
—Jade Chung-Lee, PCMAG, 22 Mar. 2024
Noun
On rainy days, make sure your top layer is water-resistant (for short hikes in light rain) or waterproof (for extended hikes in heavy rain).
—Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2024
Made of waterproof and durable polyester, the pack has mesh on the backside for breathability.
—Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2024
Boasting two ultra-wide lenses, the waterproof Insta360 X3 is the perfect action camera for capturing high-quality 360 HDR video footage.
—Cierra Cowan, PCMAG, 1 Feb. 2024
And using AirTags just got even easier thanks to these convenient waterproof AirTag covers that banish the risk of spills, sweat, rain, and water.
—Chaunie Brusie, Travel + Leisure, 18 Apr. 2023
Get more mileage from your favorite cleanser with the waterproof, shower-friendly PMD Clean Facial Cleansing Device, which deploys over 7,000 vibrations per minute to ensure a deeper, more satisfying cleanse.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 26 Oct. 2023
The mortar of China’s Great Wall and Forbidden City was made with starch and sticky rice, while the Roman architect Vitruvius, in his book De Architectura, recommends cooking oil as a means to make lime waterproof.
—Tim Brinkhof, Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2023
Footwear from the collaborative collection includes the UGG Classic Ultra Mini silhouette ($325), a waterproof take on the shoemaker’s popular Tasman X clog ($195), and two outdoor slides that were inspired by signature UGG slippers that feature embroidery and patchworked sheepskin.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2023
This is combined with Carhartt’s Storm Defender waterproof and breathable membrane to provide extreme protection against mud and water.
—Bob Beacham, Field & Stream, 1 Nov. 2023
Verb
The roundhouse roofs were insulated with straw, topped by turf, and waterproofed with clay.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 20 Mar. 2024
Burners were more focused on waterproofing their tents, music equipment and art cars with trash bags and tarps, securing them with bungee cords to hold items that can fly away.
—Asli Pelit, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2023
Additional restoration scheduled for later this spring will include waterproofing the fountain base — and, alas, shutting the fountain off again for about six weeks.
—Justin Wm. Moyer, Washington Post, 14 Aug. 2017
As Amazon’s best-selling hairspray, this award-winning product acts as a heat protectant and waterproofs your hair, and its effects last through three to four shampoos.
—Claire Harmeyer, Peoplemag, 12 July 2023
Simply waterproofing the church wouldn’t be enough.
—John Kelly, Washington Post, 24 Apr. 2023
Since gelatin is water-soluble, scientists treated the mittens with an epoxy resin, formaldehyde and wool grease, or lanolin, to waterproof the mittens without diminishing their flexibility.
—Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 29 July 2015
The researchers suggest Romans used the jars for both red and white winemaking and the pine residue found was part of the tar that helped to seal and waterproof the amphorae.
—Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 29 June 2022
To waterproof the stall, white ceramic subway tile over cement board runs floor to ceiling and wraps the edges of the window recess.
—Kit Selzer, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2022
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'waterproof.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Dictionary Entries Near waterproof
Cite this Entry
“Waterproof.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waterproof. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
More from Merriam-Webster on waterproof
Nglish: Translation of waterproof for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of waterproof for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share