caulk

or calk

[ kawk ]

verb (used with object)

1. to fill or close seams or crevices of (a tank, window, etc.) in order to make watertight, airtight, etc.
2. to make (a vessel) watertight by filling the seams between the planks with oakum or other material driven snug.
3. to fill or close (a seam, joint, etc.), as in a boat.
4. to drive the edges of (plating) together to prevent leakage.

noun

1. Also caulk·ing [] a material or substance used for caulking.

caulk

/ kɔːk /

verb

1. to stop up (cracks, crevices, etc) with a filler
2. nautical to pack (the seams) between the planks of the bottom of (a vessel) with waterproof material to prevent leakage

Derived Forms

• ˈcaulker, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of caulk¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; from Latin calcāre “to trample, tread on” (verb derivative of calx “heel”), conflated with Middle English cauken, from Old French cauquer “to trample,” from Latin calcāre, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of caulk¹

C15: from Old Northern French cauquer to press down, from Latin calcāre to trample, from calx heel

Example Sentences

Silicone sealants and caulks help insulate buildings and make them waterproof.

From Science News For Students

The beginner should start at the trap and caulk the joints with the trap held in place.

From Project Gutenberg

Half a dozen words from you would caulk up the leaking hull of your friendship.

From Project Gutenberg

Already great progress had been made with her; oakum sufficient to caulk her was formed from old cables and ropes.

From Project Gutenberg

I guess I will do a caulk, mate, for I'm mighty dozy; but I'll only take the nap on one condition.

From Project Gutenberg

We were also delayed for want of caulkers to caulk the ship, which was absolutely necessary to be done before we put to sea.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• block
• shut
• shutter