adj

watertight

WAW-tuh-tyt

Watertight (adj) means Sealed so tightly that water cannot get in or out. Example: “The submarine's hull has to be completely watertight.”

adj

Sealed so tightly that water cannot get in or out.

"The submarine's hull has to be completely watertight."

So carefully constructed or argued that it cannot be challenged or defeated.

"The lawyer built a watertight case against the defendant."

How to use watertight

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSealed perfectly against water, or (for an argument or plan) impossible to pick apart.

Common pairings

watertight case watertight seal watertight alibi

Word forms

more watertight comparative, most watertight superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

The submarine's hull has to be completely _____.

Etymology

A compound of "water" and "tight," originally describing containers or ships sealed against leaks.

Frequently asked questions

What does “watertight” mean?

The word “watertight” means sealed so tightly that water cannot get in or out. In plain terms, sealed perfectly against water, or (for an argument or plan) impossible to pick apart.

How do you pronounce “watertight”?

“Watertight” is pronounced WAW-tuh-tyt (/ˈwɔː.tə.taɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “watertight” in a sentence?

Here is “watertight” used in a sentence: “The submarine's hull has to be completely watertight.”

What part of speech is “watertight”?

“Watertight” is an adjective.

How many meanings does “watertight” have?

“Watertight” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: sealed so tightly that water cannot get in or out.