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waterproof
/ ˈwɔːtəˌpruːf /
adjective
- not penetrable by water Compare water-repellent water-resistant
noun
- a waterproof garment, esp a raincoat
verb
- to make (a fabric, item of clothing, etc) waterproof
Other Words From
- water·proofer noun
- water·proofness noun
Word History and Origins
Origin of waterproof1
Example Sentences
We kayaked to our beach “venue” with our laptop, rings and champagne rolled up in waterproof bags.
Freeman’s idea for greater technological transparency started with a handful of waterproof pages he posted around his Alabama neighborhood.
It has a 400-Lumen max output, but is still slim and lightweight, not to mention waterproof.
It was only this year when the owner of the building ordered some waterproofing work that the 16-year mystery could be solved.
The entire audience area was gutted and rebuilt, new foundations were poured in the basement and spaces were waterproofed.
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Related Words
More About Waterproof
What does waterproof mean?
If something is waterproof, water can’t soak it or get inside of it. For example, waterproof boots will keep your feet dry even if you walk in water.
Waterproof is also commonly used as a verb meaning to make something waterproof, as in We need to waterproof this basement so it won’t flood during rainstorms.
Waterproof is sometimes used in the U.K. as a noun to refer to a waterproof garment, especially a raincoat, as in It’s raining, so you’d better wear your waterproof.
Example: Make sure you get a waterproof tent—the ones that are only water-resistant can still let the rain in.
Where does waterproof come from?
The first records of waterproof come from the 1600s, but it wasn’t used in its current sense until the 1700s. The suffix -proof means “impervious or resistant to,” and is used in words like fireproof and bulletproof.
If something is waterproof, it means it is completely impervious or resistant to water—water won’t damage it, penetrate it, or otherwise change it. Sometimes, there’s no harm in getting wet, but water can damage things (like electronics) or make them uncomfortable (like socks). A lot of outdoor gear, like gloves, boots, and raincoats, is often labeled as waterproof or water-resistant, but these two things are not the same. If you want a raincoat that is truly impervious to all water, you want a waterproof one. Water-resistant means it will repel water but some water may still be able to penetrate the surface. Of course, truly waterproof items are often more expensive.
Did you know ... ?
What are some other forms related to waterproof?
- waterproofer (noun)
- waterproofness (noun)
What are some words that share a root or word element with waterproof?
What are some words that often get used in discussing waterproof?
What are some words waterproof may be commonly confused with?
How is waterproof used in real life?
Many products are made to specifically be waterproof, and the word is often used as a selling point when advertising such items.
Almost stuck my phone in the pool forgetting that it ain’t waterproof anymore …
— Lyssa⁷ LOVES TEN | WAYV 🎫 (@U10vely) April 7, 2020
UPDATE: Jubilee Bridge, Barrow. Our contractor is waterproofing the opening span of the bridge (the orange strip) to prevent water getting through the bridge deck and damaging the steelwork underneath. The contractor will then resurface over the protective layer tomorrow evening. pic.twitter.com/wSG2osrubk
— Cumbria County Council (@CumbriaCC) July 11, 2018
OK trying to be an actual adult this year…. Please can people hit me with your waterproof raincoat suggestions plz? And I mean REALLY waterproof not just drizzle proof
— Jade-Emily Till (@greendayjade) June 4, 2019
Try using waterproof!
True or False?
Something labeled water-resistant is usually the same as something labeled waterproof.
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