waterproof

[ waw-ter-proof, wot-er- ]

adjective

1. impervious to water.
2. rendered impervious to water by some special process, as coating or treating with rubber:

   a waterproof hat.

noun

1. Chiefly British. a raincoat or other outer coat impervious to water.
2. any of several coated or rubberized fabrics that are impervious to water.

verb (used with object)

1. to make waterproof.

waterproof

/ ˈwɔːtəˌpruːf /

adjective

1. not penetrable by water Compare water-repellent water-resistant

noun

1. a waterproof garment, esp a raincoat

verb

1. to make (a fabric, item of clothing, etc) waterproof

Other Word Forms

• water·proofer noun
• water·proofness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of waterproof¹

First recorded in 1730–40; water + -proof

Example Sentences

“Jackie and Shadow are insulated and waterproof,” Steers said, and their body temperature of 105 degrees will keep their offspring plenty warm.

From Los Angeles Times

Crafted from smooth brushed leather and featuring hand-sewn details, the Dan penny loafer also features a durable waterproof sole in natural leather.

From Los Angeles Times

Structures are coated in plaster to ensure they are waterproof — CalEarth claims there is no time limit to how many years, decades or centuries a SuperAdobe can last.

From Los Angeles Times

So I retrieved reams and reams of paper from the basement and I ordered a fireproof, waterproof safe.

From Salon

The eaglets were too old to fit under her feathers, but too young to fully develop their own waterproof ones, according to Steer.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• rainproof