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

Examples of water-repellent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Examples of this are high-density, water-repellent, performance fabrics; windproof construction to maintain internal warmth and shape, and temperature tested for extreme winter performance. Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025 And with the unpredictability of fall and winter weather, this pair is sure to keep your feet warm and dry thanks to its thick, 100 percent water-repellent suede fabric. Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025 Its recycled shell is both water-repellent and water-resistant, as well as Bluesign certified and PFAS-free. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 16 Oct. 2025 It’s made of a water-repellent fabric in case she’s caught in a shower. Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for water-repellent

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Water-repellent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/water-repellent. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

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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