Definition

1. Noun:

   • A waterproof filler and sealant used in building and repair to fill gaps, cracks, or seams, making a structure watertight or airtight.

2. Verb:

   • To apply a waterproof filler or sealant (caulk) into a seam, crack, or joint to make it watertight or airtight.

Usage

• Noun: Used to refer to the material itself, often a flexible compound that hardens after application.
• Verb: Used to describe the action of applying this sealant. It is a transitive verb, requiring a direct object (e.g., ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • We need to buy a tube of caulk to seal the bathtub.
  • The old caulk around the window was cracked and peeling.
• Verb:
  • You should caulk the gaps around the door frame to prevent drafts.
  • The handyman will caulk the shower tiles to prevent leaks.

Advanced Usage

• "To caulk up": To seal something completely with caulk.
  • We need to caulk up all the cracks in the foundation before winter.
• "Caulking gun": A tool used to apply caulk from a tube or cartridge.
  • He loaded the tube into the caulking gun before starting the job.

Variants and Related Words

• Caulking (n): The material (caulk) or the process/result of applying it.
  • The caulking around the sink needs to be replaced.
• Caulker (n): A person who applies caulk or a tool used for caulking.
  • The ship's caulker used oakum to seal the hull.

Synonyms

• Seal (v): To close something securely to prevent passage.
• Fill (v): To make something full or block a gap.
• Sealant (n): A substance used for sealing.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Caulk over: To cover or seal a surface with caulk.
  • They decided to caulk over the old, stained grout.

Related Idioms

Noun

1. a waterproof filler and sealant that is used in building and repair to make watertight

Verb

1. seal with caulking
   • caulk the window