Caulking: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when talking about sealing gaps and joints, particularly in buildings and boats, to make them watertight or airtight.

• I need to buy some caulking to seal the window frames.
• The caulking around the bathtub needs to be replaced.

Used when talking about making something airtight or watertight, often with liquids or adhesives, broader application than caulking.

• After placing the lid on the jar, make sure you get a tight sealing.
• Sealing the envelope ensures your documents stay protected.

Used when referring to the act of putting a substance into a space or hole to fill it, commonly used in dentistry or construction.

• The dentist did a filling on my tooth.
• We used some filler to patch the hole in the wall.

Refers to a specific substance used for sealing purposes, like a paste or liquid that hardens to form a seal.

• The plumber used a sealing compound to fix the leak.
• The instructions say to apply the sealing compound evenly around the joint.

Generally used in construction and home improvement for sealing gaps and joints to prevent water, air, and bugs from entering. Suitable for a wide range of applications including bathrooms, kitchens, roofs, and windows.

• I need to apply some caulking around the bathtub to prevent water leaks.
• The windows need new caulking before winter.

Used more broadly in various industries including automotive, construction, and plumbing to seal surfaces or to make them airtight and watertight. Ideal for use where durability and resistance to aging are crucial.

• The mechanic used a sealant to fix the leak in the car engine.
• An exterior sealant was applied to the building to protect it from the elements.

Typically employed in woodworking, furniture making, and DIY projects to fill seams, cracks, or joints in wood. Known for creating smooth surfaces that can be painted or varnished.

• The carpenter used seam filler to fix the gaps in the wooden floor.
• Before painting, I filled the seams between the wooden panels with seam filler.

Specifically refers to the materials and methods used in shipbuilding to seal the joints and seams of wooden ships. Commonly used to ensure the vessel is watertight.

• The old ship required new ship caulk to keep water from seeping in.
• Traditional ship caulk methods involved using oakum and tar.

Another form of caulk, often used interchangeably with 'caulking'. The context and examples remain the same as for 'caulking'.

• He applied the caulking to the gaps in the siding.
• Caulking the gaps in the woodwork is essential to prevent drafts.

Refers to making something airtight or watertight, often broader than just caulking and can include different materials and methods.

• They used a strong adhesive to seal the package.
• Ensure you seal the edges of the roof to prevent water damage.

Used when talking about adding material to make something full or to close up a space, often related to filling gaps or holes.

• She used putty to fill the holes in the wall before painting.
• We need to fill the cracks in the driveway.

A substance used specifically for sealing something, focusing more on the material itself rather than the action.

• Apply the sealant evenly for the best results.
• Silicone sealant is preferred for bathroom fixtures.