Definition

1. Noun:
   • A powdery compound for repairing surfaces: A dry, powdery substance, typically containing gypsum plaster and glue, that is mixed with water to create a thick paste. This paste is used to fill cracks, holes, or other imperfections in plaster, drywall, or wood surfaces before painting or finishing.

Usage

• As a material/substance: "Spackle" refers to the compound itself, usually purchased in a container.
  • We need to buy a small tub of spackle to fix the holes in the wall.
  • Apply the spackle smoothly with a putty knife.

Advanced Usage

• As a common noun (uncountable): "Spackle" is typically used as a mass noun, not usually pluralized when referring to the substance.
  • There's spackle on your jeans.
• As a brand name (proper noun): The term originated as a trademark (Spackling Compound) but is now often used generically for similar products.
  • He used a generic spackle, not the brand-name Spackle.

Variants and Related Words

• Spackling (noun/gerund): The act or process of applying spackle.
  • The spackling will need to dry overnight before sanding.
• Spackling paste/compound: Alternative, more descriptive terms for the material.
  • Use a lightweight spackling compound for small repairs.

Synonyms

• Filler: A general term for any substance used to fill holes or cracks.
• Patching compound: A substance specifically for repairing surfaces.
• Joint compound: A similar material used primarily for sealing joints between panels of drywall.

Related Phrases/Idioms

(This word does not commonly appear in idiomatic expressions or phrasal verbs.)

Noun

1. powder (containing gypsum plaster and glue) that when mixed with water forms a plastic paste used to fill cracks and holes in plaster