seal
gb/sˈil/ us/sˈil/
A2
English
~ 4300
Senses
0 senses
Verb
A2
action
1
Close something securely
To close something tightly so air, liquid, or other things cannot get in or out.
Usage pattern:
to seal [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'seal' with 'close' — 'seal' implies a tight, secure closure, often preventing air or liquid from passing through.
Synonyms
secure (Emphasizes making something safe or fixed, not always airtight.)
Antonyms
open (Means to make something accessible or not closed.)
Collocations
seal a letter
|seal a container
|seal an envelope
|seal the deal
Themes
daily life
|objects
|safety
|daily_life
|technology
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Please seal the envelope before you mail it.
- The jar was sealed to keep the jam fresh.
- They sealed the box with tape before shipping it.
Learner examples
- Seal the bag so the food stays fresh.
- Please seal the door when you leave.
- He sealed the bottle with a cap.
Noun
A2
entity
2
Marine animal with flippers
A large animal that lives in the sea, has flippers, and can live on land for short times.
Synonyms
pinniped (Scientific term for seals and related animals; more technical.)
Collocations
harbor seal
|seal colony
|seal pup
Themes
animals
|nature
Examples
- We saw a seal basking on the rocks.
- The seal dived into the icy water.
- Seals can hold their breath for long periods.
Learner examples
- The seal is swimming in the sea.
- I saw a baby seal on the beach.
- Seals have strong flippers.
Noun
B1
entity
3
Official stamp or emblem
A special mark or stamp used to show something is real or approved by an authority.
Synonyms
stamp (General term for an imprint; not always official.)
Collocations
official seal
|wax seal
|company seal
Themes
law
|government
|business
|communication
Examples
- The certificate bore the university's official seal.
- He broke the wax seal on the letter.
- The document must have the company seal to be valid.
Learner examples
- The letter had a red wax seal.
- The paper has an official seal from the city.
- A gold seal was on the award.
Verb
B2
action
4
Give formal approval to something
To officially approve something so it is final.
Usage pattern:
to seal [an agreement/a deal]
Synonyms
ratify (Formal term used for treaties, laws, and agreements.)
Collocations
seal an agreement
|seal a deal
|seal one's fate
Themes
business
|law
|communication
Examples
- The leaders sealed the peace agreement with a handshake.
- They sealed the deal after weeks of negotiation.
- Her victory sealed her reputation as a top athlete.
Learner examples
- They sealed the deal after talking.
- The two sides sealed the agreement.
- The win sealed his place in the team.
Noun
B1
entity
5
Tight closure preventing passage
Something that closes a container so nothing can get in or out.
Synonyms
gasket (Specific type of mechanical seal; more technical.)
Collocations
airtight seal
|rubber seal
|broken seal
Themes
objects
|safety
|technology
|daily_life
|housing
Examples
- The jar's rubber seal kept the contents fresh.
- Check the door seal for any damage.
- A broken seal can cause leaks.
Learner examples
- The bottle has a plastic seal.
- The door has a rubber seal.
- The bag's seal is broken.
Grammar
Dictionary form
seal
IPA
GB/sˈil/
US/sˈil/
Syllables & stress
seal (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (seal)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: seal
- Plural: seal, seals
Verb
- Base: seal
- 3rd Person Singular: seals
- Present Participle: sealing
- Past: sealed
Word family
Forms
seals
noun
sealing
verb
sealed
verb
Related words
sealant
noun
sealer
noun
reseal
verb
sealable
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
unseal
verb
Expressions
seal the deal
1/sˈil ðə dˈil/
idiom
Successfully finalize an agreement
To make an agreement final and official.
Examples
- They sealed the deal with a handshake.
- A lower price offer helped them seal the deal.
sealed with a kiss
1/sˈild wˈɪθ ə kˈɪs/
idiom
informal
Closed with affectionate kiss mark
When you kiss something before giving it away, often as a romantic gesture.
Examples
- She sent him a letter, sealed with a kiss.
- The envelope was sealed with a kiss and perfume.
signed and sealed
1/sˈaɪnd ˈænd sˈild/
idiom
Officially confirmed and complete
When something is fully agreed and made official.
Examples
- The contract is signed and sealed.
- It’s all signed and sealed now—no going back.
seal of approval
1/sˈil əv əpɹˈuvəl/
idiom
Official endorsement or acceptance
An action or statement showing someone approves of something.
Examples
- The project got the manager’s seal of approval.
- Winning the award gave her work a seal of approval.
seal of approval
2/sˈil əv əpɹˈuvəl/
idiom
official support statement
A sign or statement that shows something is officially accepted or supported.
Examples
- The product received the FDA's seal of approval.
- Her mentor's praise was the seal of approval she needed.