proof

1 of 3

noun

ˈprüf 

1

a

: the cogency of evidence that compels acceptance by the mind of a truth or a fact

b

: the process or an instance of establishing the validity of a statement especially by derivation from other statements in accordance with principles of reasoning

2

obsolete : experience

3

: something that induces certainty or establishes validity

4

archaic : the quality or state of having been tested or tried

especially : unyielding hardness

5

: evidence operating to determine the finding or judgment of a tribunal

6

a

plural proofs or proof : a copy (as of typeset text) made for examination or correction

b

: a test impression of an engraving, etching, or lithograph

c

: a coin that is struck from a highly polished die on a polished planchet, is not intended for circulation, and sometimes differs in metallic content from coins of identical design struck for circulation

d

: a test photographic print made from a negative

7

: a test applied to articles or substances to determine whether they are of standard or satisfactory quality

8

a

: the minimum alcoholic strength of proof spirit

b

: strength with reference to the standard for proof spirit

specifically : alcoholic strength indicated by a number that is twice the percent by volume of alcohol present

whiskey of 90 proof is 45 percent alcohol

proof

2 of 3

adjective

1

: able to resist or repel

… boots that were … proof against cold and wet.

—Robertson Davies

—often used in combination

windproof

2

: used in proving or testing or as a standard of comparison

3

: of standard strength or quality or alcoholic content

proof

3 of 3

verb

proofed; proofing; proofs

transitive verb

1

a

: to make or take a proof or test of

b

: proofread

2

: to give a resistant quality to

3

: to activate (yeast) by mixing with water and sometimes sugar or milk

proofer noun

Synonyms of proof

Noun

• evidence
• testimony
• documentation

Examples of proof in a Sentence

Noun

The document was proof that her story was true.

He claims that he was home when the murder was committed, but he has no proof.

The proof shows that the theorem is true.

Verb

She proofed the story carefully.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The technology has already been validated through proof-of-concept projects on Hyundai vehicles, including the IONIQ 5 and ST1 electric models. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Jan. 2026

By requiring Dulce and her legal team to produce extraordinary volumes of proof to secure her release, the government has effectively shifted the burden onto United States citizens to affirmatively prove their citizenship while incarcerated. —Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026

Adjective

At-home entertaining is also embracing mindfulness and wellness with fully non-alcoholic setups—hosts are curating zero-proof bars with herbal tonics, infused waters, and garnished non-alcoholic cocktails, allowing guests to explore drinks at their own pace while keeping the gathering inclusive. —Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2026

Storing snacks, grains, and bakery supplies in sturdy, mouse-proof containers made of metal or glass can do wonders for reducing rodent problems. —Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 7 Jan. 2026

Verb

Lanterns can also benefit from features including collapsibility, mounting or holding handles, shock-proofing and waterproofing or USB charging ports. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026

The department also advises deer-proofing property to avoid attracting a mountain lion’s main food source, removing dense vegetation to reduce hiding spaces, installing outdoor lighting and securing animal enclosures. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English prof, prove, alteration of preve, from Anglo-French preove, from Late Latin proba, from Latin probare to prove — more at prove

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Adjective

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1699, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing proof

• burden of proof
• living proof
• proof of concept
• proof of purchase
• proof positive
• proof spirit
• reproduction proof
• the proof is in the pudding
• the proof of the pudding is in the eating
• veto-proof

Rhymes for proof

• goof
• hoof
• kloof
• poof
• roof
• spoof
• woof
• aloof
• behoof
• disproof
• flameproof
• foolproof

Kids Definition

proof

1 of 3 noun

ˈprüf 

1

a

: evidence of truth or correctness

gave proof of her statement

b

: an act or process of showing or finding out that something is true especially by reasoning or by experiment

a proof that the theorem is true

put a theory to the proof

2

a

: a copy (as of something set in type) taken for study and correction

b

: a test print made from a photographic negative

proof

2 of 3 adjective

: designed or made to prevent or keep out something that could be harmful

this lock is proof against tampering

—often used in compounds

waterproof

proof

3 of 3 verb

: to activate (yeast) by mixing with water

Legal Definition

proof

noun

1

: the effect of evidence sufficient to persuade a reasonable person that a particular fact exists see also evidence

2

: the establishment or persuasion by evidence that a particular fact exists see also burden of proof

3

: something (as evidence) that proves or tends to prove the existence of a particular fact see also clear and convincing, preponderance of the evidence, reasonable doubt, standard of proof compare allegation, argument

4

: probate sense 1a

Etymology

Noun

alteration of Middle English preove, from Old French preuve, from Late Latin proba, from Latin probare to prove