weather stripping: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Everyday (within the context of home maintenance and DIY)
Quick answer
What does “weather stripping” mean?
Narrow strips of material (felt, plastic, rubber, metal) installed around movable parts of doors, windows, or other openings to prevent the passage of air and moisture.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Narrow strips of material (felt, plastic, rubber, metal) installed around movable parts of doors, windows, or other openings to prevent the passage of air and moisture.
The act or material of sealing gaps to improve a building's energy efficiency; figuratively, any preventive barrier against external elements or unwanted influences.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'draught excluder' or 'draught stripping' is more common for the concept, though 'weather stripping' is understood. 'Weather stripping' is the dominant term in American English.
Connotations
In the US, it is a standard home maintenance term. In the UK, 'draught excluder' may sound more familiar and domestic.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English; in British English, 'draught proofing' or 'draught excluder' are more frequent lexical choices.
Grammar
How to Use “weather stripping” in a Sentence
install (weather stripping) on [door/window][door/window] needs (weather stripping)apply (weather stripping) to [gap]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “weather stripping” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to draught-proof the windows properly.
- He spent the weekend weatherstripping the old French doors.
American English
- I'm going to weatherstrip the garage door before winter.
- They hired a contractor to weatherstrip the entire house.
adverb
British English
- [No common adverbial usage]
American English
- [No common adverbial usage]
adjective
British English
- The draught-proofing tape was easy to apply.
- We bought a new weather-stripping kit for the shed.
American English
- Make sure you use the correct weather-stripping material for the threshold.
- The weatherstripping project made a huge difference.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In sales for home improvement products or services.
Academic
In texts on building physics, energy conservation, or sustainable architecture.
Everyday
Discussions about DIY, reducing heating bills, or fixing a draughty door/window.
Technical
In construction manuals, building codes, and product specifications for fenestration.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “weather stripping”
- Spelling as 'weatherstripping' (one word is also acceptable) or 'weather strip' (as two separate nouns). Confusing it with 'caulking', which is for non-movable joints.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'weather stripping' (two words) and 'weatherstripping' (one word) are acceptable, though dictionaries often list it as two words.
Yes, it is highly recommended for exterior doors to improve energy efficiency and keep out moisture and drafts.
Weather stripping is used for sealing movable components like doors and windows. Caulk is a sealant used for filling stationary gaps and cracks in walls, frames, or between building materials.
It depends on the material and exposure, but most types last 1-5 years before compression, wear, or weathering reduces their effectiveness.
Narrow strips of material (felt, plastic, rubber, metal) installed around movable parts of doors, windows, or other openings to prevent the passage of air and moisture.
Weather stripping is usually technical/everyday (within the context of home maintenance and diy) in register.
Weather stripping: in British English it is pronounced /ˈweðə ˌstrɪpɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈweðər ˌstrɪpɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'WEATHER' tries to STRIP away your warmth, but WEATHER STRIPPING stops it.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARMOUR/SHIELD (protective barrier against an external force).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of weather stripping?