verb
seals; sealed; sealing
[+ obj] :to close (something) tightly so that air, liquid, etc., cannot get in or out
[+ obj] :to close (an envelope, bag, etc.) by sticking or pressing two of its parts together
[no obj] :to become closed tightly
[+ obj] :to cover the surface of (something) with a substance that will protect it
[+ obj] :to make (something) definite and final
[+ obj] :to prevent someone from going into or through (an area or place)
my lips are sealed
seal in
[phrasal verb]
seal (something) in or seal in (something) :to prevent (something that is in something else) from getting out or escaping
seal off
[phrasal verb]
seal off (something) or seal (something) off :to prevent people from entering or leaving (an area or place)
noun
plural seals
[count] an official mark that is stamped on paper or on a small piece of wax to show that something (such as a document) is genuine and has been officially approved
a small piece of stamped wax or a small sticker that is put on a letter or envelope to keep it closed or to show that it has not been opened
a device with a raised design that can be pressed into something (such as paper or wax) to make a seal
a piece of material (such as rubber) that is used on the lid of a container to keep air, water, etc., out of the container or to show the container has not been opened
the state of being closed tightly so that no air, water, etc., can pass through
seal of approval
an action or statement that shows approval or official acceptance
set the seal on
Brit formal :to make (something) final or definite
under seal
law formal :having an official seal that prevents the public from seeing or reading it
noun
plural seals
[count] :a large animal that lives in the sea near coasts, has flippers, and eats fish
[noncount] :the skin of a seal usually used for fur