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putty knife
noun
: an implement with a broad flat metal blade used especially for applying putty and for scraping
Examples of putty knife in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Spackle the back of the mesh, press it in place, then use a putty knife to smooth the spackle that oozes through and remove excess, but not so much as to keep the mesh from being fully embedded.
—Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024
For pinholes and nail holes, a gloved finger might work better than a putty knife as an application tool.
—Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024
Since the spackle dries and hardens quickly, keep the putty knife clean by dipping it in water and cleaning it with a cloth.
—Sara Rodrigues, House Beautiful, 15 Feb. 2023
Mix the resin and hardener and press the mixture into the screw holes with a putty knife.
—Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 14 Apr. 2023
Keep that space underneath clean of flammable debris as well and grab a screwdriver or putty knife and clean out debris from between the deck boards too.
—Time, 22 Aug. 2023
With a plastic putty knife, spread the poultice about a quarter-inch thick over the stained area, including about an inch beyond the borders.
—Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 14 July 2023
Pull down on a side or on a corner, or use a putty knife to get behind the cover then pull it gently down.
—Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 17 July 2023
When the poultice is completely dry — this may take 24 to 48 hours — scoop up the powder with the putty knife.
—Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 14 July 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'putty knife.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1841, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near putty knife
Cite this Entry
“Putty knife.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/putty%20knife. Accessed 16 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
putty knife
noun
: a tool with a broad flat metal blade used especially for applying putty and for scraping
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