# putty

/ˈpəti/ (US) · /pˈʌti/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/putty
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a soft, sticky substance that you press into a hole to fill it. You usually use it to fix cracks in walls or to hold glass in a window frame.

For teachers: a soft, pliable material used for sealing, filling, or holding objects in place. Often refers to a mixture of chalk or gypsum with linseed oil.

## Examples

- I used putty to fix the small crack in the wall.
- Before hanging the new picture frame, he applied a thin layer of putty to the nail holes to make the surface smooth.
- The artisan carefully mixed the oil-based putty to ensure it would harden evenly, providing a durable seal for the stained-glass window.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.