waterproof

adjective wa·ter·proof \ ˈwȯ-tər-ˌprüf , ˈwä- \

Updated on: 22 Apr 2018

Definition of waterproof

: impervious to water; especially : covered or treated with a material (such as a solution of rubber) to prevent permeation by water

—

waterproofness

noun

See waterproof defined for English-language learners

See waterproof defined for kids

Examples of waterproof in a Sentence

This suntan lotion is waterproof.
luckily, my backpack is waterproof, so my clothes didn't get wet

Recent Examples of waterproof from the Web

Cute enough to pound the pavement in, but waterproof enough to take to the beach?

— avery matera, Teen Vogue, "Katy Perry Is Selling Scented Jelly Sandals," 12 Apr. 2018
The resulting two-layer construction is astoundingly light (my size small jacket weighs six ounces) yet fully waterproof and breathable.

— kelly bastone, Outside Online, "The Best Rain Jackets for Women," 12 Apr. 2018
Facial cleansing devices are handheld, waterproof devices that clean your face with a soft, rotating brush.

— jessica teich, USA TODAY, "Kim Kardashian's dermatologist recommends this $5 routine for clear skin," 6 Apr. 2018
So here's to leaning into the uncomfortable instead of fighting it, giving my daughter the tools to best cope with her fears, and strong, waterproof mascara.

— blake bakkila, Health.com, "This Blogger's Instagram Is Usually Polished—but She Just Posted a Teary-Eyed Photo to Talk About Anxiety," 5 Apr. 2018
Businesses can register on the app to create their own key code printed on waterproof stickers that customers can scan to pay tips through their phone.

— ileana najarro, Houston Chronicle, "Virtual tipping app launched in Houston," 2 Apr. 2018
The two men wrapped their purchases in waterproof paper, then boarded a train teeming with Parisians fleeing the German bombardment.

— jason zweig, WSJ, "When Keynes Played Art Buyer," 30 Mar. 2018
Easy to clean and often waterproof, tile is a natural choice for kitchens and bathrooms.

— kit waskom pollard, baltimoresun.com, "Trendy uses for tile in Baltimore kitchens and bathrooms," 21 Mar. 2018
What to wear to a music festival (Photo: Courtney Pedroza/The Republic) Wear a ton of waterproof sunscreen.

— kaila white, azcentral, "Arizona music festival survival guide: What to bring to Country Thunder," 20 Mar. 2018

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

First Known Use of waterproof

1725

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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waterproof Synonyms

waterproof

noun

Definition of waterproof

1 : a waterproof fabric

2 chiefly British : raincoat

See waterproof defined for English-language learners

Examples of waterproof in a Sentence

remember your waterproof if you're walking around London in the winter

Recent Examples of waterproof from the Web

To find Jesse, rescuers turned to technology, hoping sophisticated waterproof cameras used to inspect the city’s drainage system would provide a glimpse of the missing boy.

— cleve r. wootson jr., Washington Post, "Rescuers find boy 12 hours after he was washed away in a ‘maze’ of drainage pipes," 2 Apr. 2018
These days, there are lots of very good $500 technical waterproof-breathable shells.

— jakob schiller, Outside Online, "Picture's Stretchy, Breathable Iceland Proknit Shell," 21 Mar. 2018
According to the brand, the formula is sweatproof, waterproof, and transfer-proof — in other words, it's designed to stay on all damn day.

— macaela mackenzie, Allure, "Cover FX's New Power Play Foundation Offers Dewy Coverage to Oily Skin Types," 14 Mar. 2018
And their latest launch, a waterproof and sweat-proof foundation called Power Play, claims to be the brand’s most longwear formula yet.

— avery matera, Teen Vogue, "Cover FX Is Launching New Power Play Foundation," 7 Mar. 2018
The waterproof bands can even be worn at the resort's water parks and pools.

— arthur levine, USA TODAY, "Disney parks tech upgrades make visiting more convenient," 27 Feb. 2018
The cargo area had grocery bag and tie-down hooks, a retractable/removable shade-type cover, and a removable waterproof/washable cargo tray.

— emma jayne williams, star-telegram, "Subaru’s redesigned 2018 Crosstrek compact SUV adds space, technology | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 24 Feb. 2018
Blooms of Akashiwo sanguinea algae can also disrupt the protective waterproof coating on birds.

— mika mckinnon, Smithsonian, "Sea Foam Delights Visitors of Lebanese Beach," 31 Jan. 2018
Both male and female competitors will wear the Team USA Hypershield Summit Jacket, a white waterproof shell with knit hand warmers, and a removable bomber jacket underneath.

— caroline picard, Good Housekeeping, "These Are the Outfits the U.S. Athletes Will Wear at the 2018 Winter Olympics," 9 Jan. 2018

First Known Use of waterproof

1788

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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waterproof

verb

Definition of waterproof

transitive verb

: to make waterproof

—

waterproofer

noun

See waterproof defined for English-language learners

Examples of waterproof in a Sentence

He waterproofed the deck by applying sealer to it.

Recent Examples of waterproof from the Web

Kenny’s girlfriend, Sylvia Alba, helped waterproof all of his gear.

— anthony gulizia, BostonGlobe.com, "Runners went to their bag of tricks to beat the elements," 16 Apr. 2018
Crews will remove and replace the asphalt pavement, waterproofing membrane and joints on the bridge.

— joe marusak, charlotteobserver, "Iconic stretch of Blue Ridge Parkway closing for months | Charlotte Observer," 8 Feb. 2018
Stairwells and entryways need to be enlarged, flood-prone openings need to be waterproofed, ventilation plants need to be rebuilt.

— jonathan mahler, New York Times, "The Case for the Subway," 3 Jan. 2018
Construction Resources' recommendations included: Cleaning and waterproofing the masonry.

— bob sandrick, cleveland.com, "Strongsville's landmark clock tower needs repairs; city officials mum on when that might happen," 12 Dec. 2017
This behavior helps keep air spaces in their warm undercoat and works in oil from their anal glands to waterproof their outer fur.

— National Geographic, "Beavers Have Vanilla-Scented Butts and More Odd Facts," 9 Dec. 2017
The next session in LakewoodAlive's Knowing Your Home series will focus on waterproofing basics.

— carol kovach, cleveland.com, "Concert, reception mark beginning of St. Clarence Parish's 40th anniversary: A Place in the Sun," 30 Oct. 2017
Some utility experts think PREPA would save money and build a resilient system by using stronger poles and power lines, waterproofing substations and burying some power cables.

— tim johnson, miamiherald, "A match made by Maria? Puerto Rico needs power. Tesla founder has solar energy system," 6 Oct. 2017
Google added a few features (like waterproofing) and removed a few (adios, headphone jack), but mostly, these are refined, improved versions of last year’s models.

— arielle pardes, WIRED, "All the Greatest Gadgets Announced at Google’s Big Show," 4 Oct. 2017

First Known Use of waterproof

1820

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

WATERPROOF Defined for English Language Learners

waterproof

adjective

Definition of waterproof for English Language Learners

: designed to prevent water from entering or passing through
: designed so that water alone will not remove it

waterproof

verb

Definition of waterproof for English Language Learners

: to put a substance on (something) in order to make it waterproof

WATERPROOF Defined for Kids

waterproof

adjective wa·ter·proof \ ˌwȯ-tər-ˈprüf , ˌwä- \

Definition of waterproof for Students

: not letting water through

a waterproof tent

waterproof

verb

Definition of waterproof for Students

waterproofed; waterproofing

: to make something resistant to letting water through

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See words that rhyme with waterproof Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for waterproof Spanish Central: Translation of waterproof Nglish: Translation of waterproof for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of waterproof for Arabic speakers

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waterproof

Definition of waterproof

waterproofness

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waterproof

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waterproof

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waterproofer

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WATERPROOF Defined for English Language Learners

waterproof

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waterproof

Definition of waterproof for English Language Learners

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waterproof

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