calk

1 of 3

verb (1)

variant spelling of caulk

transitive verb

: to stop up and make tight against leakage (something, such as a boat or its seams, the cracks in a window frame, or the joints of a pipe)

calk

2 of 3

noun

ˈkȯk 

variants or caulk

: a cleat on the shoe of a horse to prevent slipping

also : a similar device worn on the sole of a shoe

calk

3 of 3

verb (2)

variants or caulk

calked or caulked; calking or caulking; calks or caulks

transitive verb

1

: to furnish with calks

2

: to wound with a calk

Examples of calk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Worn-out calks are removed promptly with chisel and hammer. —Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, 16 Feb. 2019

These holes are filled with square pegs of white pine and new calks driven into the wood. —Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, 16 Feb. 2019

On the inside, use weatherstripping provided by the manufacturer; on the outside, use calk around the perimeter to ensure a good seal. —Brian Resnick, Popular Mechanics, 13 Aug. 2010

Word History

Etymology

Noun

probably alteration of calkin, from Middle English kakun, from Middle Dutch or Middle French dialect; Middle Dutch calcoen horse's hoof, from Middle French dialect (Walloon) calcain heel, from Latin calcaneum, from calc-, calx heel

First Known Use

Noun

1587, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

calk

variant of caulk