Oakum Meaning in English
word
Definition
Oakum is loose fibers, often made from old rope or hemp, that are used for sealing gaps in wooden ships or joining pipes to make them watertight.
Usage & Nuances
Oakum is mainly an old-fashioned, technical word, seen in maritime, shipbuilding, or plumbing contexts. Collocates with 'pick', 'pack', 'drive', and 'caulk'. Not common in everyday speech except in historical or nautical discussions.
Example Sentences
The workers used oakum to fill the gaps between the wooden boards.
basic
Old ropes are picked apart to make oakum.
basic
Sailors used oakum to seal the ship and keep water out.
basic
Back in the day, prisoners were made to pick oakum as punishment.
natural
Keeping a wooden ship watertight meant hours of packing oakum into every seam.
natural
You still see oakum used when repairing old water pipes in some towns.
natural