WordGarden.iowatertight
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /wˈɔːtətˌaɪt/
US
- /ˈwɔtərˌtaɪt/
Meanings
Adjective
sealed so that water cannot get in or out
leaving no flaws, loopholes, or room for challenge
Beyond the definition
Imagine building a ship – you wouldn't want water seeping in, would you? That's where "watertight" comes in! It originally described something able to prevent water from entering, like the hull of a vessel. But it doesn't just mean physically sealed against water anymore.
Today, "watertight" can also describe an argument, alibi, or plan that is so solid and well put together that it is very hard to find any fault with it. A watertight alibi means there are no holes in your story. Think of it like building a fortress – everything has to fit together perfectly to keep trouble out. If a contract is watertight, it is legally sound and hard to challenge.
The word "watertight" originally described something capable of preventing water from passing through—like the construction of a ship's hull or a sealed container. It literally meant that no water could penetrate its surface. Think of a submarine, designed to be completely watertight so it can submerge safely underwater.
However, over time, "watertight" has taken on a figurative meaning. Now, it describes anything that is secure, flawless, and impossible to refute or challenge. A "watertight argument" isn't about water at all; it's an argument so logically sound and well-supported that there are no weaknesses or loopholes.
You might hear: "The detective built a watertight case against the suspect," meaning the evidence was strong and left little room for doubt. Or, "The company had a watertight contract," indicating the agreement was legally sound and protected against disputes. In the same way, a watertight plan is one with no obvious gaps, and a watertight excuse is one that is hard to question.
So whether you're talking about boats, arguments, or secrets, "watertight" signifies an absolute barrier against intrusion, error, or challenge—something perfectly sealed and undeniably secure.
Examples
- 1
Gear protection
We packed the cameras in a watertight box before taking the boat out.
- 2
Infrastructure
The engineer checked every joint to make sure the tunnel was watertight.
- 3
Legal proof
The police believed they had a watertight case against him.
- Phrasea watertight case
a case with very strong proof
- 4
Legal contract
Make sure the contract is watertight before you sign it.
- Phrasea watertight contract
one with no unclear parts or legal gaps
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Reasoning
Her explanation sounded convincing, but it wasn't watertight.
See also
Similar
- waterproof
- leakproof
- impermeable
Shades of meaning
- water-resistant
- sealed
- weatherproof
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- watertight seal
- watertight container
- watertight compartment
Explore
- airtight
- water ingress
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- watertightadjective