weatherproof: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal (more common in technical/consumer contexts); informal in metaphorical use.
Quick answer
What does “weatherproof” mean?
To make something, or the property of something being, resistant to the effects of weather such as rain, wind, and sun.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make something, or the property of something being, resistant to the effects of weather such as rain, wind, and sun.
Often used metaphorically to describe something or someone as durable, resilient, or able to withstand challenging external conditions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is nearly identical. Spelling of derived terms may differ slightly (e.g., weatherproofing/weatherproofed).
Connotations
Identical. Both denote practical resilience.
Frequency
Slightly more common in UK English for describing outdoor clothing; otherwise frequency is comparable.
Grammar
How to Use “weatherproof” in a Sentence
weatherproof something (verb)weatherproof against somethingbe weatherproof (adjective)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “weatherproof” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to weatherproof the garden shed before winter.
- The contractor will weatherproof the brickwork with a special sealant.
American English
- Let's weatherproof the deck with a new stain.
- They weatherproofed the electrical box to meet code.
adjective
British English
- This weatherproof jacket is essential for hiking in the Lake District.
- The building's weatherproof cladding has a 20-year guarantee.
American English
- Make sure you buy weatherproof boots for the camping trip.
- The weatherproof rating on this outdoor TV is IP55.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing for outdoor products, construction materials, and protective services.
Academic
Rare; may appear in materials science, engineering, or architecture papers.
Everyday
Common for describing outdoor clothing, gear, and home improvements.
Technical
Precise term in building, textiles, and product design specifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “weatherproof”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “weatherproof”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “weatherproof”
- Using 'weatherproof' for 'waterproof' only (it includes wind, sun, etc.).
- Confusing adjective and verb forms: 'I will weatherproof it' (verb) vs. 'It is weatherproof' (adjective).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Waterproof' means impervious to water only. 'Weatherproof' is broader, implying resistance to various weather elements like rain, wind, sun (UV), and sometimes temperature extremes.
Yes. As a verb, it means 'to make something resistant to weather', e.g., 'to weatherproof a deck'.
There's no single direct antonym. Contextual opposites include 'permeable', 'vulnerable (to the elements)', or 'non-weather-resistant'.
The standard modern spelling is as one solid word: 'weatherproof'. The hyphenated form is considered archaic or stylistic.
To make something, or the property of something being, resistant to the effects of weather such as rain, wind, and sun.
Weatherproof is usually neutral to formal (more common in technical/consumer contexts); informal in metaphorical use. in register.
Weatherproof: in British English it is pronounced /ˈweðəpruːf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈweðərpruːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Metaphorical] To weatherproof one's career/job (make it secure against economic downturns).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: PROOF against the WEATHER. Like a roof that gives proof (protection) from weather.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS A SHIELD (against the 'attack' of weather). DURABILITY IS STRENGTH.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely meaning of 'weatherproof' in a technical context?