How to Pronounce "oakum"
word
ˈəʊkəm
OH-kuhm
ˈəʊkəm
OH-kuhm
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.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈəʊkəm
British English
ˈəʊkəm
Simplified Pronunciation
US
OH-kuhm
UK
OH-kuhm
Listen in Context
The workers used oakum to fill the gaps between the wooden boards.
Old ropes are picked apart to make oakum.
Sailors used oakum to seal the ship and keep water out.
Back in the day, prisoners were made to pick oakum as punishment.