What does putty mean?
Putty is a soft, workable material used to fill holes, smooth irregular surfaces, and seal joints. Its best-known use is around windowpanes, where a glazier presses putty into the frame and smooths it into a neat, waterproof-looking finish. Putty can also mean a firm adhesive compound for securing or sealing objects. As a verb, “putty” means to fill or seal a gap with this material, although the verb is much less common than the noun. The term is especially associated with woodworking, glazing, construction, and metal repair. Although modern silicone and acrylic sealants now perform many of the same tasks, putty remains familiar for traditional repairs and can produce a cleaner finish than ordinary filler in some applications.
A soft, pliable material or adhesive compound used to fill gaps, smooth surfaces, seal joints, or fix objects.
"The carpenter used putty to cover the small holes in the cabinet."
Putty is frequently used as an uncountable material noun, especially when referring to a particular type or quantity.
To fill, seal, or smooth a gap or joint by applying putty.
"He carefully puttied the edges of the frame before repainting it."
The verb is comparatively uncommon and is most often used in woodworking, glazing, or repair contexts.
Rare; putty is normally used as an uncountable noun, with quantities expressed by a measure such as a tin, tube, or lump.
"The glazier bought a tin of putty rather than ordering putties."
Before modern sealants became widespread, a warm tin of putty was the trusted fix for loose windowpanes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does putty come from?
The English word putty was recorded in the 17th century for a soft, malleable material used in glazing and metalwork. Its precise source is uncertain, so proposals connecting it with a French or Latin term cannot be treated as established. Over time, its meaning broadened to include the adhesive compounds now sold for filling and sealing.
How putty is actually used
Putty is common in woodworking, glazing, and metal repair. In British English, “window putty” is especially common; in North American usage, spackle is often preferred for lightweight interior filling, while putty is more associated with glazing and repair compounds.