water-repellent

adjective

wa·​ter-re·​pel·​lent ˌwȯ-tər-ri-ˈpe-lənt How to pronounce water-repellent (audio)
ˌwä-,
-tə-ri-
: treated with a finish that is resistant but not impervious to penetration by water

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Available for members only, these breathable pants come in a size range of S-XXXL with tall options as well, and are made with a water-repellent nylon and spandex material for comfortable movement all day long. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 24 Mar. 2023 The low-key, unpretentious Torrentshell uses a waterproof material that is treated with a durable water-repellent coating that is free from harmful perfluorinated chemicals. Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2023 The SenseKnit fabric is water-repellent, sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and designed to move with you. Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2023 The exception is with the brand's Mizzles, which have a water-repellent finish. Lexie Sachs, Good Housekeeping, 16 Mar. 2023 Made from machine washable, water-repellent polyester, this durable blanket is an excellent companion for all outdoor events. Maya Polton, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Mar. 2023 Burn scars are known to be waxy, water-repellent and highly vulnerable to debris flows and other hazards. Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2023 They can be found in water-repellent clothes, furniture and carpet, in nonstick pans, paints, cosmetics, cleaning products and food packaging, and in firefighting foams. Jen Christensen, CNN, 14 Mar. 2023 The lightweight jacket has a durable water-repellent (DWR) application to keep water from soaking the jacket as well as a HiloTech fabric that's self-repairing. Brenda Stolyar, WIRED, 7 Mar. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'water-repellent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of water-repellent was in 1820

Dictionary Entries Near water-repellent

Cite this Entry

“Water-repellent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/water-repellent. Accessed 29 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

water-repellent

adjective
wa·​ter-re·​pel·​lent
ˌwȯt-ə(r)-ri-ˈpel-ənt,
ˌwät-
: treated with a finish that resists but does not completely prevent penetration by water

More from Merriam-Webster on water-repellent

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