hydrophobic

adjective

hy·​dro·​pho·​bic ˌhī-drə-ˈfō-bik How to pronounce hydrophobic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or suffering from hydrophobia
2
: lacking affinity for water
hydrophobicity
ˌhī-drə-fō-ˈbi-sə-tē How to pronounce hydrophobic (audio)
noun

Examples of hydrophobic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The yarn itself is hydrophobic and will repel water, while a low-slung, gator-like cuff likewise denies access to debris. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026 Its hydrophilic exterior and hydrophobic interior trap and release polyhalides on demand, stopping the leakage cold. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026 Many soils become hydrophobic when overly dry and can be difficult to rewet. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2026 If the water sits on the surface after one minute, the soil is hydrophobic. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hydrophobic

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydrophobic was in 1807

Rhymes for hydrophobic

See All Rhymes for hydrophobic

Browse Nearby Words

hydrophobia skunk
hydrophobic
hydrophobous
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Cite this Entry

“Hydrophobic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrophobic. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

hydrophobic

adjective
hy·​dro·​pho·​bic -ˈfō-bik How to pronounce hydrophobic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or suffering from hydrophobia
2
: resistant to or avoiding wetting
a hydrophobic lens
3
: of, relating to, or having a lack of affinity for water
hydrophobic colloids are relatively unstable
compare lyophobic, oleophobic
hydrophobically
-bi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce hydrophobic (audio)
adverb
hydrophobicity
-ˌfō-ˈbis-ət-ē How to pronounce hydrophobic (audio)
noun
plural hydrophobicities
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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