putty

¹

[ puht-ee ]

noun

, plural put·ties.

1. a compound of whiting and linseed oil, of a doughlike consistency when fresh, used to secure windowpanes, patch woodwork defects, etc.
2. any of various other compounds used for similar purposes.
3. any of various substances for sealing the joints of tubes or pipes, composed of linseed oil with red lead, white lead, iron oxide, etc.
4. a creamy mixture of lime and water, partially dried and mixed with sand and plaster of Paris to make a finish plaster coat.
5. putty powder.
6. any person or thing easily molded, influenced, etc.:

   We were putty in his hands.

7. light brownish- or yellowish-gray.

verb (used with object)

, put·tied, put·ty·ing.

1. to secure, cover, etc., with putty.

putty

²

[ puht-ee ]

noun

, plural put·ties.

1. puttee.

putty

/ ˈpʌtɪ /

noun

1. a stiff paste made of whiting and linseed oil that is used to fix glass panes into frames and to fill cracks or holes in woodwork, etc
2. any substance with a similar consistency, function, or appearance
3. a mixture of lime and water with sand or plaster of Paris used on plaster as a finishing coat
4. ( as modifier )

   a putty knife

5. See putty powder
6. a person who is easily influenced or persuaded

   he's putty in her hands

7. 1. a colour varying from a greyish-yellow to a greyish-brown or brownish-grey
   2. ( as adjective )

      putty-coloured

8. up to putty informal.
   worthless or useless

verb

1. tr to fix, fill, or coat with putty

Other Words From

• un·puttied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of putty¹

First recorded in 1625–35, putty is from the French word potée, literally, (something) potted. See pot ¹, -ee

Word History and Origins

Origin of putty¹

C17: from French potée a potful

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. up to putty, Australian Slang. worthless or useless.

Example Sentences

You can practically see the stress falling away from theatergoers as they become putty in the hands of these cunning troupers, who are finding laughs in every corner of this “Odd Couple”-esque comedy, scheduled to run through Dec. 15.

From Los Angeles Times

But after so many years in the business, Griffin understands how to maneuver her audience and keep them molded in her hands like putty.

From Salon

Citing a 2020 study by psychology researchers that found a correlation between Google searches for "erectile dysfunction, penis size, penis enlargement, hair loss, hair plugs, testosterone, and Viagra" and voting Republican, Meyerson writes that precarious manhood turns some men into "putty for a demagogue who blames your plight on MAGA’s usual suspects."

From Salon

Because I always think it looks like Silly Putty.

From Los Angeles Times

You can DIY a short-term solution for a leak with epoxy putty, pipe clamps or good old-fashioned duct-tape, but that should be a stopgap measure only.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• docile
• flexible
• limber
• malleable
• manageable
• pliant
• spongy
• supple