Pronunciation: [kˈalkəz] (IPA) 
The word "calkers" is commonly misspelled as "caulkers". The correct spelling of the word is /ˈkɔːlkərz/, with an "a" sound instead of "au". The word refers to individuals who apply a waterproofing compound or material to seams and joints in boats or ships. It is important to use the correct spelling to ensure clarity in communication, especially in technical or specialized fields.
Calkers refers to individuals or professionals who engage in the act of calking. Calking is a specific process of sealing joints or gaps in various materials, such as boats, ships, pipes, or buildings, to prevent leakage or the ingress of water, air, or other substances. The word "calkers" can have different meanings and applications depending on the context.
In the marine industry, calkers are skilled workers responsible for caulking the seams, planks, and joints of ships or boats to make them watertight. They typically use specialized tools like caulking irons, mallets, and other instruments to fill the gaps with caulking material, such as oakum (loose fibers of tar-treated hemp or jute) or more modern sealants like silicone or polyurethane.
In construction or engineering, "calkers" may refer to professionals who apply similar techniques to seal gaps or joints in buildings, pipelines, or other structures. They may use various materials like sealants, foam, cement, or putty to provide an airtight or watertight seal, ensuring structural integrity and energy efficiency.
While "calkers" are primarily associated with maritime or construction trades, the term can also be used metaphorically to describe individuals who excel at their craft or profession. In this sense, it suggests a high level of expertise and precision in the field of their expertise, akin to the careful and meticulous sealing of joints and gaps carried out by traditional calkers.
The word "calkers" is derived from the Middle English term "cauken", which ultimately comes from the Old English word "cealcian". "Cealcian" means "to make hard or cold by the application of calk", which referred to the use of calk (or caulk) to seal gaps or seams in a wooden ship's hull. The term "calkers" originally specifically referred to the individuals who performed this task on ships. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include those who carried out similar tasks of sealing or repairing joints in other contexts.
