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putty

putty
NounTransitive Verb
past: puttiedpp: puttieding: puttying

This term describes a substance defined by its plasticity and adhesive properties. It evokes a tactile sense of malleability, shifting from a soft, dough-like state to a hardened seal. In construction, it carries a connotation of utility and precision, specifically regarding the airtight or watertight sealing of joints.

As a noun, putty is an uncountable mass noun. It refers to the material in general rather than individual units. To quantify it, speakers must use partitive constructions such as a tube of putty or a glob of putty.

Meanings

Nounputty

A soft, pliable paste used to seal gaps, fill holes, or fix glass in window frames.

The carpenter used putty to seal the edges of the window pane.

Nounputty

A malleable substance used in sports or hobbies to mold shapes or provide grip.

He shaped the putty into a small ball to relieve stress.

Transitive Verbputty
[~ something]

To fill or seal something using a putty-like substance.

She had to putty the cracks in the wall before painting.

Examples

I should probably putty these nail holes before I paint the wall.

He spent hours kneading the therapy putty to strengthen his grip.

Health

The old house had cracked putty around every single pane of glass.

History

Wait, did you remember to putty the seams of the joint?

Phrasal Verbs

putty up

to fill a hole or crack completely using putty to create a smooth surface

Related Words

Last Updated: May 2026Report an Error