gasket: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical / Industrial
Quick answer
What does “gasket” mean?
A flat piece of soft material, such as rubber or metal, placed between two surfaces to create a tight seal and prevent leaks.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A flat piece of soft material, such as rubber or metal, placed between two surfaces to create a tight seal and prevent leaks.
In sailing, the term can refer to a small line or cord used to secure a furled sail. In computing, it can metaphorically refer to a component that 'seals' or bridges two systems. Historically, a type of rope used in rigging.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The core meaning is identical. The nautical 'sail tie' sense is more prevalent in British maritime usage but still obscure.
Connotations
Both associate it strongly with mechanics, engines, and DIY.
Frequency
Equally common in technical/automotive contexts in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “gasket” in a Sentence
[Verb] a gasket (blow, replace, install, check)Gasket [Preposition] (gasket between, gasket for, gasket on)[Adjective] gasket (leaking, faulty, new, rubber)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gasket” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The mechanic will gasket the joint properly.
- It needs to be gasketed to prevent leaks.
American English
- Make sure you gasket the flange before bolting it down.
- The assembly wasn't gasketed correctly.
adjective
British English
- The gasket material was perished.
- We offer a gasket replacement service.
American English
- The gasket seal failed under pressure.
- Check the gasket surface for damage.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in procurement, manufacturing (e.g., 'We need to order gaskets for the Q3 production run').
Academic
Appears in engineering, materials science, and physics texts discussing fluid dynamics and sealing technology.
Everyday
Common in DIY and automotive repair contexts (e.g., 'The tap is leaking; we might need a new gasket').
Technical
Precise term in mechanical, automotive, plumbing, and aerospace engineering for any sealing component.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gasket”
- Misspelling as 'gascet' or 'gaskit'.
- Confusing with 'gasket' (парусная снасть) in nautical contexts.
- Using it for non-sealing washers (e.g., a plain lock washer is not a gasket).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An O-ring is a specific type of gasket with a circular, torus (doughnut) shape, designed to be seated in a groove. 'Gasket' is the broader category for any sealing component placed between flanges.
It's a metaphor from automotive engineering. When a head gasket fails ('blows'), it often results in sudden, dramatic release of pressure, steam, and coolant—visibly evoking the idea of an explosive loss of control.
Yes, in professional technical jargon (e.g., 'gasket the joint'), though it's less common than the noun. The past participle 'gasketed' is also used.
Not exactly. A washer is primarily used to distribute load or act as a spacer. A gasket is specifically designed to create a seal. While some washers can have a sealing function (and be called sealing washers), 'gasket' emphasises the sealing role.
A flat piece of soft material, such as rubber or metal, placed between two surfaces to create a tight seal and prevent leaks.
Gasket is usually technical / industrial in register.
Gasket: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡæs.kɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡæs.kɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “blow a gasket (to become very angry)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GASKET as a GASK-IT, sealing the GAP to keep liquid or gas IN the KIT (system).
Conceptual Metaphor
A BARRIER/SEAL preventing unwanted transfer (of fluids, gases, or even emotion in 'blow a gasket').
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts would the word 'gasket' be LEAST appropriate?