foolproof

adjective

fool·​proof ˈfül-ˌprüf How to pronounce foolproof (audio)
: so simple, plain, or reliable as to leave no opportunity for error, misuse, or failure
a foolproof plan

Examples of foolproof in a Sentence

DNA fingerprinting gives police a virtually foolproof way to link a suspect to a crime scene.
Recent Examples on the Web Braising is the most flexible, foolproof path to meltingly tender meat Braised Red Cabbage With Apples and Chestnuts This sweet and tart dish designed for the Instant Pot is inspired by the cuisine of Alsace in eastern France, on the German border. Aaron Hutcherson, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2024 How to make Stroganoff This quick-and-easy one-pot meal doesn't require any specialty ingredients and takes only minutes of hands-on work, but the key to foolproof beef Stroganoff is cooking the ingredients in a particular order. Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 31 Jan. 2024 Electric or Manual Electric openers are often foolproof tools but need to be charged in order to function and are often bigger and bulkier than manual openers. Maya Polton, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2024 However, these aren’t completely foolproof solutions. Korin Miller, Health, 1 Feb. 2024 Whip up a batch of these, along with a bowl full of one of our favorite holiday punches, for a foolproof party lineup. Julia Reed, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2023 Obviously, the suggestions above aren’t foolproof strategies to fill your void, especially if loneliness has been a persistent issue. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 15 Dec. 2023 Decorating the outside of your home by hanging wreaths on the windows is a foolproof way to add holiday curb appeal to the neighborhood. Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2023 Proenza Schouler faux-fur coat A faux fur is a foolproof way to stay warm. Porter Simmons, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'foolproof.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of foolproof was in 1874

Dictionary Entries Near foolproof

Cite this Entry

“Foolproof.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foolproof. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

foolproof

adjective
fool·​proof ˈfül-ˈprüf How to pronounce foolproof (audio)
: done, made, or planned so well that nothing can go wrong
foolproof directions

More from Merriam-Webster on foolproof

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