How to pronounce waterproof
Say it like WAW-ter-proof. Waterproof has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WAW).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce waterproof. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- WAW
- ter
- proof
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Waterproof pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- WAWSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- proofGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
American vs British pronunciation of waterproof
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: WAW-tuh-proof.
What does waterproof mean?
- not permitting the passage of water
- any fabric impervious to water
- a water-resistant coat
- make watertight“Waterproof the coat”
Where does waterproof come from?
From water + -proof. Compare West Frisian wetterproef (“waterproof”), Dutch waterproef (“waterproof”).
Questions about saying waterproof
How do you pronounce waterproof?
Say WAW-ter-proof. The American pronunciation is /ˈwɔtɚˌpruf/. In British English it is /ˈwɔːtəˌpruːf/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in waterproof?
Waterproof has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WAW). Broken into parts: WAW · ter · proof.
Is waterproof pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈwɔːtəˌpruːf/ (WAW-tuh-proof).