waterproof
WAW-tuh-proof
Waterproof (adj) means not letting water pass through; able to keep water out completely. Example: “Make sure your hiking boots are waterproof before the trip.”
adj
1
Not letting water pass through; able to keep water out completely.
"Make sure your hiking boots are waterproof before the trip."
"The phone case is fully waterproof, even underwater."
verb
1
To treat something so that water cannot get through it.
"They waterproofed the tent seams before the camping trip."
noun
1
A garment or material made to keep water out.
"He grabbed his waterproof before heading out into the rain."
How to use waterproof
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBuilt or treated so water can't get in.
Common mistake
"Water-resistant" and "waterproof" are often used loosely as if interchangeable, but strictly water-resistant items only slow water down, while waterproof items are meant to fully block it.
Easily confused with
water-resistant
Common pairings
waterproof jacket
fully waterproof
waterproof coating
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Word forms
- Plural
- waterproofs
- Third person singular
- waterproofs
- Past tense
- waterproofed
- Comparative
- more waterproof
- Superlative
- most waterproof
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Make sure your hiking boots are _____ before the trip.
Etymology
A compound of "water" and "-proof," meaning resistant to or protected against water.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for waterproof
See all rhymes for waterproof →Frequently asked questions
What does “waterproof” mean?
The word “waterproof” means not letting water pass through; able to keep water out completely. In plain terms, built or treated so water can't get in.
How do you pronounce “waterproof”?
“Waterproof” is pronounced WAW-tuh-proof (/ˈwɔt̬ɚˌpruf/ in IPA).
How do you use “waterproof” in a sentence?
Here is “waterproof” used in a sentence: “Make sure your hiking boots are waterproof before the trip.”
What part of speech is “waterproof”?
Depending on how it is used, “waterproof” can be an adjective, a verb and a noun.
Is “waterproof” a common word?
“Waterproof” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “waterproof” have?
“Waterproof” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: not letting water pass through; able to keep water out completely.
What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?
Waterproof describes something that does not let water pass through at all, keeping water out completely. Water-resistant products only resist water to a limited degree and can eventually let moisture through under sustained exposure.
Can waterproof be used as a verb?
Yes, to waterproof means to treat something so that water cannot get through it, as in "waterproof your boots before winter." This verb use is common alongside the adjective describing an already water-blocking material.
What does waterproof mean as a noun?
As a noun, a waterproof refers to a garment or material made to keep water out, such as a raincoat. This noun sense is more common in British English than in American English, where "raincoat" is typically preferred.
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