caulk
What does "caulk" mean?
Caulk is a pliable material used to seal gaps or joints against leakage in various structures and piping. Think of it as the "liquid gasket" that you squeeze out of a tube to bridge the tiny, unwanted spaces between a bathtub and a wall or around a window frame, preventing water or air from sneaking through. While it is a functional, everyday term in home repair and construction, it is almost exclusively used in DIY or professional maintenance contexts. You will most often hear it used as a verb (to caulk) when describing the act of applying the sealant, or as a noun referring to the rubbery bead left behind after the material dries.
"caulk" in conversation
Fixing a leaky bathroom
The water is starting to seep behind the tub.
The water is starting to seep behind the tub.
Yeah, the old caulk is cracking. We need to scrape it off and re-caulk the whole edge.
Yeah, the old caulk is cracking. We need to scrape it off and re-caulk the whole edge.
Used here as both a noun (the material) and a verb (the action).
Hardware store advice
Are you working on an interior or exterior project?
Are you working on an interior or exterior project?
It's for the windows outside. I need something weather-resistant.
It's for the windows outside. I need something weather-resistant.
Definitely go with the silicone-based caulk then; it holds up much better in the rain.
Definitely go with the silicone-based caulk then; it holds up much better in the rain.
Refers to the specific type of material needed for durability.
"caulk" in a sentence
I need to buy a tube of caulk for the sink.
I need to buy a tube of caulk for the sink.
Make sure you clean the surface thoroughly before you apply the caulk.
Make sure you clean the surface thoroughly before you apply the caulk.
If you don't caulk the gaps around the window frame, you'll feel a draft all winter.
If you don't caulk the gaps around the window frame, you'll feel a draft all winter.
