Definition
To seal seams or gaps in a boat's hull or other structures with waterproof material such as oakum, putty, or sealant, or the material itself used for this purpose. In construction, caulking prevents water infiltration and drafts.
Example Usage
The shipwright carefully caulked the wooden hull with tarred rope to make it watertight.
Origin
From Old French 'cauquer' or Middle French 'calfater,' derived from Latin 'calcare' (to tread); related to 'calk,' an archaic variant.
Fun Fact
Traditional ship caulking required tremendous skill and strength—hitting oakum-filled seams with a hammer and chisel was brutal work.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
Related Terms
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See “caulk” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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