A1 noun Neutral #3,704 most common

seal

/siːl/

A seal is a small piece of plastic, paper, or wax that closes a container or package. It shows that the product is new and has not been opened or used before.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Check that the seal on the milk is not broken.

Look at the plastic cover on the milk to make sure it is closed.

2

The manufacturer places a silver seal on every box to prove it is real.

The company puts a special sticker on the box to show it is authentic.

3

I can't open this jar because the seal is too tight.

This bottle is hard to open because the lid is stuck very well.

Word Family

Noun
seal
Verb
seal
Adjective
sealed
Related
sealant
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Memory Tip

Imagine a 'seal' (the animal) balancing a 'seal' (sticker) on its nose while shopping at the supermarket.

Quick Quiz

Do not buy this juice if the ______ is broken.

Correct!

The correct answer is: seal

Examples

1

Check that the seal on the milk is not broken.

everyday

Look at the plastic cover on the milk to make sure it is closed.

2

The manufacturer places a silver seal on every box to prove it is real.

formal

The company puts a special sticker on the box to show it is authentic.

3

I can't open this jar because the seal is too tight.

informal

This bottle is hard to open because the lid is stuck very well.

4

The experiment requires an airtight seal to prevent contamination.

academic

The test needs a perfect closure so no air can get in or out.

5

The company’s seal of quality is recognized worldwide.

business

The business's mark of high standards is known everywhere.

Word Family

Noun
seal
Verb
seal
Adjective
sealed
Related
sealant

Common Collocations

broken seal a closure that has been opened
airtight seal a closure that does not let air through
security seal a sticker that shows if a package was opened
seal of approval an official mark showing something is good
protective seal a layer that keeps a product safe

Common Phrases

seal of approval

a sign that someone likes or agrees with something

my lips are sealed

a promise to keep a secret

signed and sealed

formally completed and official

Often Confused With

seal vs sale

A 'sale' is when prices are lower; a 'seal' is a physical closure.

seal vs ceiling

A 'ceiling' is the top of a room; a 'seal' is used to close things.

📝

Usage Notes

Use this word when talking about the safety or freshness of food and electronics. It usually refers to the physical layer you must remove before using a product.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Don't confuse the noun 'seal' (the object) with the verb 'to seal' (the action of closing). Also, remember that 'seal' is also an animal, but in shopping, it always refers to packaging.

💡

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'seal' (the animal) balancing a 'seal' (sticker) on its nose while shopping at the supermarket.

📖

Word Origin

From the Old French 'seel', originating from the Latin 'sigillum', which means a small sign or mark.

Grammar Patterns

countable noun plural: seals often follows the verbs 'check' or 'break'
🌍

Cultural Context

In many Western countries, customers are advised never to buy a product if the safety seal is broken, as it may be unsafe.

Quick Quiz

Do not buy this juice if the ______ is broken.

Correct!

The correct answer is: seal

More Shopping words

order

A1

An order is a request for food or goods that you want to buy from a shop or restaurant. It can also mean the way things are arranged in a specific sequence or pattern.

shop

A1

A building or room where goods or services are sold to the public. It is a place where you go to buy specific items like food, clothes, or books.

grocery

A1

Groceries are the food and other small household items that you buy at a supermarket or a store. The word can also refer to the store where these goods are sold, often called a grocery store.

department store

A1

A large shop that is divided into several sections, each selling different types of goods such as clothes, furniture, and electronics. It allows customers to find many different products in one single building.

convenience store

A1

A small retail business that stocks a range of everyday items such as groceries, snack foods, confectionery, soft drinks, tobacco products, over-the-counter drugs, toiletries, newspapers, and magazines. They are usually located in busy areas and stay open for long hours, sometimes 24 hours a day.

stall

A1

A small shop with an open front or a large table used for selling goods in a public place, like a market. It is typically temporary or part of a larger collection of similar selling points.

counter

A1

A counter is a long, flat surface in a shop, bank, or restaurant where customers are served. It is the place where you usually pay for items or ask for information.

checkout

A1

The place in a store where you pay for the things you want to buy. It can also refer to the area or desk in a hotel where you pay your bill and leave.

goods

A1

Goods are items or products that are made to be sold to people. In shopping, this word refers to the physical things you can see and touch in a store, like food, clothes, or toys.

bag

A1

A flexible container made of paper, plastic, leather, or cloth, used for carrying items. It typically has one or two handles and is commonly used when shopping or traveling to hold goods.

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