waterproof

1 of 3

adjective

wa·​ter·​proof ˈwȯ-tər-ˌprüf How to pronounce waterproof (audio)
ˈwä-
: impervious to water
especially : covered or treated with a material (such as a solution of rubber) to prevent permeation by water
waterproofness noun

waterproof

2 of 3

noun

1
: a waterproof fabric
2
chiefly British : raincoat

waterproof

3 of 3

verb

waterproofed; waterproofing; waterproofs

transitive verb

: to make waterproof
waterproofer noun

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
Adjective
The 100% polyester fabric is waterproof, and the poncho comes in an adorable matching storage bag. Maya Polton, Parents, 14 Mar. 2024 This waterproof style will keep your dog dry and warm outdoors, while the reflective design adds a layer of protection — especially during dark storms. Megan Schaltegger, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 About 6 weeks old, the eaglets had not yet grown their waterproof feathers and were too big to fit completely under their mother. Francine Kiefer, The Christian Science Monitor, 6 Mar. 2024 Made from vinyl, the shower curtain is waterproof and treated to resist mildew. Andrea Wurzburger, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2024 What Could Be Better The fabric cushions and canopy are not waterproof. Nor'adila Hepburn, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2024 While not every pair of Dr. Martens is waterproof, the brand does offer a wide variety of waterproofed footwear (like these 1460 Trinity Wintergrip Waterproof Boots) that are great for snow, rain, and other elements. Olivia Muenter, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024 Start with moisture-wicking base layers (merino wool is best) to keep you dry, add thin or thick insulating layers for warmth, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer to protect against harsh weather. David Nikel, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Since major advancements have been made in waterproof and windproof materials since the early days—two world wars resulted in innovations like gabardines, nylons, polyesters, and waxed cottons—windbreakers have become some of the lightest varieties of outerwear. Isaiah Freeman-Schub, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2024
Noun
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 The membranes in waterproof pull on work boots are also breathable, allowing water vapor from the foot to escape to prevent sweat from building up inside the boot. Tony Carrick, Field & Stream, 28 Sep. 2023
Verb
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 Apartment-building owners and residents repair or waterproof their walls and roofs. Vaishnavi Chandrashekhar, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 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

First Known Use

Adjective

1725, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1820, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of waterproof was in 1725

Dictionary Entries Near waterproof

Cite this Entry

“Waterproof.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waterproof. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

waterproof

1 of 3 adjective
wa·​ter·​proof -ˌprüf How to pronounce waterproof (audio)
: not letting water through
especially : covered or treated with a material to prevent penetration by water

waterproof

2 of 3 noun
chiefly British

waterproof

3 of 3 verb
: to make waterproof

More from Merriam-Webster on waterproof

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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