First Known Use: 1665
Dictionary
1putty
noun put·ty \ˈpə-tē\
: a soft, sticky substance that becomes hard when it dries and that is used for holding glass in window frames or for filling small holes in wood
plural putties
Full Definition of PUTTY
1
a : a doughlike material typically made of whiting and linseed oil that is used especially to fasten glass in window frames and to fill crevices in woodwork b : any of various substances resembling putty in appearance, consistency, or use
2
: a light brownish-gray to light grayish-brown color
3
: one who is easily manipulated <is putty in her hands>
— put·ty·less adjective
— put·ty·like adjective
See putty defined for English-language learners
See putty defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of PUTTY
French potée potter's glaze, literally, potful, from Old French, from pot pot — more at pottage
2putty
verb
put·tiedput·ty·ing
Definition of PUTTY
transitive verb
: to use putty on or apply putty to
First Known Use of PUTTY
1719
Rhymes with PUTTY
PUTTY Defined for Kids
1putty
noun put·ty \ˈpə-tē\
plural putties
Definition of PUTTY for Kids
: a soft sticky substance that hardens as it dries and is used for holding glass in a window frame or filling holes
2putty
verb
put·tiedput·ty·ing
Definition of PUTTY for Kids
: to seal up with putty
Learn More About PUTTY
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: puttyblowerPrevious Word in the Dictionary: Putt–PuttAll Words Near: putty
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up putty? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).