Seal
/siːl/
Definitions
5 meaningsA device or material used to close something securely and to show that it has not been opened.
/siːl/
A device used to authenticate a document or close something tightly.
The envelope was closed with a wax seal.
💡 Simply: A seal is like a super-strong sticker or piece of tape that keeps things closed tight, like a letter or a container. It's also like a fancy stamp that important people use to show something is official.
👶 For kids: A seal is like a special sticker that keeps things closed, like a box or a letter!
More Examples
The company applied a security seal to the product to prevent tampering.
The king’s seal was imprinted on the decree.
How It's Used
"The judge affixed his seal to the official document."
"The factory used a special seal to ensure the food packaging was airtight."
A marine mammal with flippers, typically found in cold regions.
/siːl/
A marine mammal.
The children were delighted to see seals basking on the rocks.
💡 Simply: Seals are like the playful puppies of the sea! They swim around, eat fish, and sometimes sunbathe on rocks.
👶 For kids: A seal is a furry animal that lives in the water and likes to swim and play!
More Examples
Seals are known for their blubber, which keeps them warm in cold waters.
The naturalist studied the behavior of the seal colony.
How It's Used
"Seals are adapted to both aquatic and terrestrial environments."
"Conservation efforts are underway to protect seal populations from habitat loss."
To close or fasten something completely and securely.
/siːl/
To close or fasten securely.
The company sealed the package to protect the contents.
💡 Simply: When you seal something, you close it tight so nothing can get in or out. Think about sealing a bag of chips to keep them fresh!
👶 For kids: To seal something is to close it up tight so nothing can get in or out.
More Examples
The detective sealed off the crime scene.
He sealed the letter with a kiss.
How It's Used
"She sealed the envelope with glue."
"The contractor sealed the cracks in the wall to prevent water damage."
To confirm or make certain of something.
/siːl/
To confirm or guarantee something.
Their victory was sealed by a final goal.
💡 Simply: To seal something also means to make it official or certain, like when you make a deal and shake hands to show you agree.
👶 For kids: To seal something means to make sure it's done or true.
More Examples
The witness's testimony sealed the case.
The pact was sealed with a signed agreement.
How It's Used
"The agreement was sealed with a handshake."
"The contract sealed their partnership."
To apply a substance to cover and protect a surface.
/siːl/
To cover a surface with a sealant.
The workers sealed the cracks in the pavement.
💡 Simply: Sealing can also mean putting a special coating on something to protect it, like putting a layer of paint on wood to make it waterproof.
👶 For kids: To seal something is like putting a special cover or paint on it to keep it safe and strong.
More Examples
She sealed her car windows to keep the rain out.
The artist sealed the painting with varnish.
How It's Used
"They sealed the tiles to prevent water damage."
"The mechanic sealed the car windows."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
seal someone's fate
To make sure that something bad will happen to someone.
"The judge's decision sealed the prisoner's fate."
seal the deal
To make a business deal or agreement official, often by shaking hands or signing a document.
"They shook hands to seal the deal after agreeing on the terms."
sealed with a kiss
Used to describe something that is complete or finalized, often with affection.
"The letter was sealed with a kiss, a symbol of love and closure."
From Old English *segl*, related to Latin *sigillum* (a small image, seal) and *signum* (a mark). Originally referred to a piece of wax or other material impressed with a design to authenticate a document or confirm ownership. Later, it also came to refer to the animal.
The word seal has been used since the 13th century to refer to devices for authentication. The animal usage appeared later.
Memory tip
Imagine a wax stamp (the seal) that prevents anyone from opening a letter secretly.
Word Origin
"mark, sign"