putty: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2neutral / technical (in construction context)
Quick answer
What does “putty” mean?
A soft, malleable material used for sealing window panes or filling small holes, typically made of whiting (calcium carbonate) and linseed oil.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A soft, malleable material used for sealing window panes or filling small holes, typically made of whiting (calcium carbonate) and linseed oil.
By extension, any soft, easily shaped substance or paste; also used metaphorically to describe someone who is easily influenced or controlled.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The substance and its uses are identical. The metaphorical idiom is equally common.
Connotations
Identical connotations of softness, malleability, and sometimes temporary/impermanent repair.
Frequency
Similar frequency, slightly more common in the UK in literal DIY contexts due to older window construction.
Grammar
How to Use “putty” in a Sentence
apply [putty] to [surface]be [like putty] in [someone's] handsremove [old putty] from [frame]scrape off [the putty]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “putty” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- You'll need a tin of putty and a glazing knife to fix that broken pane.
- He's been like putty in her hands ever since they met.
American English
- The old putty was cracked and had to be scraped out completely.
- A good salesperson can turn a hesitant customer into putty.
verb
British English
- He carefully puttied the new glass into the wooden frame. (rare but accepted)
American English
- After setting the pane, she puttied the edges to seal it. (rare but accepted)
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form exists.
American English
- No standard adverbial form exists.
adjective
British English
- The walls were painted a dull putty colour.
- He had a putty-like complexion. (compound adjective)
American English
- She chose a putty-coloured sofa for the neutral palette.
- The clay was soft and putty-soft. (compound adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in construction/DIY supply contexts.
Academic
Very rare, except in historical or materials science discussions of traditional building techniques.
Everyday
Common in DIY/home repair contexts; idiomatic use is standard.
Technical
Standard term in glazing, carpentry, and building maintenance.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “putty”
- Spelling: 'putty' (correct) vs. 'puty' or 'putey'.
- Using 'putty' as a verb is non-standard (e.g., 'I will putty the window' is rare; 'apply putty' is preferred).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily uncountable (e.g., 'a tub of putty', 'some putty'). It can be pluralized ('putties') only when referring to different types of the substance.
Yes, but it is rare and considered jargon specific to the act of applying putty (e.g., 'to putty a window'). In most contexts, 'apply putty' is preferred.
Putty is traditionally oil-based and used for glazing windows. Caulk is typically flexible and used for sealing joints. Spackle (US)/Polyfilla (UK) is a fast-drying paste for filling holes in walls before painting.
It is neutral, describing a state of being easily influenced. Context determines if this is negative (gullibility) or positive (being persuadable or devoted).
A soft, malleable material used for sealing window panes or filling small holes, typically made of whiting (calcium carbonate) and linseed oil.
Putty is usually neutral / technical (in construction context) in register.
Putty: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpʌti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpʌdi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “like putty in someone's hands”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of PUTting something in a gap – you 'PUT' 'TY' (a tiny amount) of putty to fix it.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOFTNESS IS MALLEABILITY / INFLUENCE IS SHAPING A SOFT SUBSTANCE
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'like putty in someone's hands' mean?