caulk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical (construction, DIY, nautical), with occasional metaphorical use.
Quick answer
What does “caulk” mean?
To seal joints or seams (especially in a boat, window, or bathtub) to make them watertight or airtight.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To seal joints or seams (especially in a boat, window, or bathtub) to make them watertight or airtight.
In broader usage, to fill gaps or cracks in any surface to prevent leakage; metaphorically, to smooth over or resolve minor issues.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK spelling is 'caulk'/'caulking'; US spelling is identical. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
In both regions, strongly associated with DIY, construction, and boat maintenance.
Frequency
Higher frequency in North America due to 'caulk gun' being a standard DIY tool; in UK, 'sealant' or 'seal' is more common in everyday speech for the same action.
Grammar
How to Use “caulk” in a Sentence
caulk + [object: seam/joint/window]caulk + [object] + [prepositional phrase: with sealant]caulk + [object] + [adverb: properly/adequately]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “caulk” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Before winter, you should caulk all the windows to stop draughts.
- The boatbuilder will caulk the hull seams with oakum.
American English
- I need to caulk around the bathtub this weekend.
- They caulked the entire foundation to prevent moisture damage.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form.
American English
- No standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- The caulk joint failed after a few years.
- No common adjective usage.
American English
- Get a caulk gun from the hardware store.
- No common adjective usage.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, unless in construction supply or shipbuilding industries.
Academic
Rare, except in engineering or materials science contexts.
Everyday
Common in DIY/home improvement contexts.
Technical
Standard term in construction, plumbing, carpentry, and naval architecture.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “caulk”
- Mispronouncing as /kɔːlk/ (adding an 'l' sound).
- Confusing with 'cock' or 'cork'.
- Using 'caulk' as the material only (more correctly 'caulking' for the material).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily a verb. The material used is called 'caulk' or, more commonly, 'caulking' (noun).
'Caulk' is often the action of applying sealant. 'Sealant' is the material itself. However, 'caulk' is also used colloquially to refer to the material (e.g., a tube of caulk).
The word comes from Old French 'cauquer', Latin 'calicare' (to tread, press). The 'l' was historically pronounced but became silent in English, as in many words like 'walk' or 'talk'.
Yes, though not extremely common. It can mean to smooth over or fill a gap in plans, arguments, or systems (e.g., 'caulk the cracks in our strategy').
To seal joints or seams (especially in a boat, window, or bathtub) to make them watertight or airtight.
Caulk is usually technical (construction, diy, nautical), with occasional metaphorical use. in register.
Caulk: in British English it is pronounced /kɔːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /kɑːk/, /kɒk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “caulk it up (to experience) – a rare, playful pun on 'chalk it up'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CAULK' keeps WALKing water out. Imagine you CAULK the bath so water can't WALK through the cracks.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROBLEMS ARE GAPS / SOLUTIONS ARE SEALS (e.g., 'We need to caulk the leaks in our policy').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of caulking?