What does gasket mean?
A gasket is a shaped piece of compressible material used to prevent gas, liquid, or other material from escaping through a joint. Although many household and automotive gaskets are made of rubber, the term also covers sealing components made from metal, plastic, graphite, cork, and other suitable materials. Gaskets are important in engines, pumps, pipes, valves, and industrial machinery because even a small leak can reduce efficiency, cause damage, or create a safety hazard. In an automobile engine, for example, the head gasket helps contain combustion gases and separates the engine block from the cylinder head and coolant system. The word is primarily technical, but it is familiar through vehicle maintenance and do-it-yourself repair. In older and specialized usage, gasket can also be a verb meaning to fit or seal something with a gasket, although 'seal with a gasket' is usually clearer in modern English.
A shaped piece of compressible material fitted between two surfaces to prevent gas, liquid, or other material from escaping through a joint.
"The engineer checked the gasket for signs of leakage."
Standard technical usage in engineering, plumbing, automotive repair, and manufacturing.
To fit, furnish, or seal something with a gasket.
"The technician gasketed the flange before pressurizing the line."
Rare and technical; 'sealed with a gasket' or 'fitted a gasket to' is more common in modern usage.
The standard plural of the noun.
"The mechanic replaced both gaskets during the repair."
A head gasket separates an engine's combustion chambers from its coolant, making its failure a memorable reminder that small seals can carry enormous consequences.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gasket come from?
The English word gasket was borrowed from French during the 17th century. It originally referred to material used to close or seal a joint, and its use spread in plumbing, metalworking, and mechanical engineering. Over time, the term came to denote not only sealing material but also the complete shaped component fitted between the parts of a joint.
Related word forms
How gasket is actually used
The noun is chiefly technical and is standard in engineering, plumbing, automotive repair, and manufacturing. Although frequently associated with rubber, gaskets may also be made from metal, plastic, graphite, cork, and other suitable materials. The rarer verb is more naturally expressed as 'seal with a gasket' or 'fit a gasket to'.
Easily confused with gasket
A gasket is a compressible seal that closes a joint, whereas a washer is primarily a flat ring that distributes fastening pressure and may or may not provide a seal.