What does CAULK mean?

Parts of Speech

Caulk is a verb and a noun.

Definitions

As a verb, caulk means to fill a crack or gap with a waterproof material to make it airtight or watertight. As a noun, caulk refers to the material used for sealing cracks or gaps.

Pronunciations

US: /kɔk/

UK: /kɔːk/

Origin and Usage

The word caulk originated from the Old English word "cealcian," which means "to chalk." The word evolved to mean "to fill gaps with chalk" and later evolved to mean "to fill gaps with a waterproof material." Caulking has been used for centuries to seal ships, buildings, and other structures from water or air leaks.

Synonyms

Seal, fill, plug, stopper, close, block

Related Words

Seals, leaks, cracks, gaps, stops

Example Sentences

As a verb:

• The plumber will caulk the bathtub to prevent water from leaking onto the floor.
• She caulked the windows to keep the cold air out of her house.

As a noun:

• The caulk around the window had cracked and needed to be replaced.
• He bought a tube of caulk at the hardware store to fill the gaps in his bathroom tiles.