Definition

1. Noun:

   • A soft, malleable material: A dough-like substance, typically a mixture of whiting (calcium carbonate) and boiled linseed oil, used for sealing, filling holes, or securing panes of glass in windows.
   • A polishing compound: A fine abrasive paste used for polishing glass or metal (also called jeweller's putty).

2. Verb:

   • To apply putty: To use putty to fix, fill, or secure something.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • He used putty to seal the gaps around the window frame.
  • The old putty holding the glass was cracked and needed replacing.

• Verb:

  • You need to putty the window sash before the glass will be secure.
  • After installing the new pane, he carefully puttied the edges.

Advanced Usage

• "To be like putty in someone's hands": To be easily influenced or controlled by someone.
  • The charismatic leader had the crowd like putty in his hands.

Variants and Related Words

• Glazier's putty (n): A specific type of putty used by glaziers for setting window glass.
• Polishing putty (n): A putty used as an abrasive for polishing.

Synonyms

• Sealant: A material used to block the passage of fluids.
• Filler: A substance used to fill cracks or holes.
• Caulk: A waterproof filler and sealant used in building work.

Phrasal Verbs

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs.)

Related Idioms

• "Like putty in someone's hands": Extremely pliable or submissive to another person's will.
  • The negotiator was so skilled that his opponent was like putty in his hands.

Noun

1. a dough-like mixture of whiting and boiled linseed oil; used especially to patch woodwork or secure panes of glass

Verb

1. apply putty in order to fix or fill
   • putty the window sash