putty knife

noun

Definition of putty knife

: 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 Start by removing excess paint from the carpet with a putty knife. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, "How To Get Paint Out of Carpet," 14 Apr. 2021 On a scrap piece of plywood, mix two-part epoxy and use a putty knife to spread it on the back of each plywood mounting block. — Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, "How To Build This Marble-Top Coffee Table," 16 Jan. 2021 Use a putty knife to scrape off any blistered or peeling paint. — Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, "How to Successfully Paint Any Wall in Your House," 18 Dec. 2020 Start by scraping off any blobs of paint with a flat edge such as a putty knife or butter knife. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Country Living, "Here's How to Remove Paint from Clothes," 22 Oct. 2020 Use a stiff putty knife to knock off loose chunks of the coating, which appears to be thicker than regular paint. — Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, "How can I keep the crickets out of my old, damp garage?," 19 Oct. 2020 If the pots have a white build-up of salts, scrape them off with an old, dull knife or putty knife. — Lynn Coulter, Better Homes & Gardens, "Yes, You Can Reuse Your Potting Soil Instead of Tossing It at the End of the Season," 16 Oct. 2020 Once the ports are glued in place, use a putty knife to spread a thick coating of epoxy sealer along the crack, including over the base of each injection port. — Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, "How to Waterproof Your Basement," 12 Oct. 2020 Debark two logs with a putty knife if the wood is seasoned, or a drawknife if the logs are green. — Roy Berendsohn And Mike Cunningham, Popular Mechanics, "Build This Good-Looking Log Rack Just in Time for Winter," 3 Oct. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'putty knife.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about putty knife

Dictionary Entries near putty knife

putty in someone's hands

Statistics for putty knife

Last Updated

20 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Putty knife.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/putty%20knife. Accessed 23 Apr. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

Comments on putty knife

What made you want to look up putty knife? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

WORD OF THE DAY

bogart

Listen to the pronunciation of bogart

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Name that Thing: Flower Edition

Name that flower

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Spell words. Make bears.

TAKE THE QUIZ