sealed
sealed — verb
- sealedpresent simple I / you / we / they
- sealeds3rd person singular
- sealeding-ing form
- sealededpast simple
1. to hunt and catch seals, the marine mammals that live in cold coastal waters, fo
to hunt and catch seals, the marine mammals that live in cold coastal waters, for their fur, meat, or oil.
Every spring, Inuit hunters travel to the coast of Greenland to seal for meat and fur.
to seal for [product] — intransitive hunting verb
The fishermen would seal every winter when the ice was thick enough.
International laws now limit where and when people may seal to protect the animal populations.
Daichi learned to seal from his uncle during the winter months near Hokkaido.
- hunt seals
a phrasal alternative that explicitly names the animal
文法句型
seal + (on/around + location)
用法筆記
This sense is intransitive and describes a traditional hunting activity. It is rarely used in the passive voice. Distinguish from sense 5 (CLOSE SECURELY) which always takes a direct object.
常見錯誤
2. to make an agreement, decision, or outcome certain, final, and impossible to cha
to make an agreement, decision, or outcome certain, final, and impossible to change.
The mayor sealed the deal by shaking hands with the developer at the town hall.
seal the deal — common idiom-like collocation
A single goal in the final minute sealed the victory for the home team.
seal the victory / seal the win
The contract was sealed when both directors signed their names at the bottom.
The handshake between the two leaders sealed a historic peace agreement.
文法句型
seal + noun phrase
be sealed + by + noun phrase
seal + noun phrase + with + noun phrase
用法筆記
Frequently used with nouns like deal, victory, fate, agreement, contract, partnership. The passive form (be sealed) is especially common in news and formal writing.
常見錯誤
3. to unite a married couple for eternity through a special rite performed in the L
to unite a married couple for eternity through a special rite performed in the LDS (Mormon) faith, so that their bond is not limited to their earthly life.
The young couple was sealed in the Salt Lake Temple with their families nearby.
passive: be sealed in [temple name]
Latter-day Saint families believe that being sealed in the temple keeps the family together forever.
be sealed as a family / be sealed for eternity
Alessia and her fiancé were sealed in the Rome Italy Temple last autumn.
Hamza and his wife were sealed for time and all eternity in a quiet ceremony.
文法句型
be sealed + to + person
seal + noun phrase + for eternity
用法筆記
This sense is specific to the LDS (Mormon) faith. It is almost always used in the passive voice (be sealed to someone / in a temple). The object is typically a person or a family unit, not a document.
常見錯誤
4. to stamp a document, certificate, or object with an official mark that proves it
to stamp a document, certificate, or object with an official mark that proves it is genuine, approved, or meets required standards.
The notary sealed the contract with a red wax stamp bearing her initials.
seal + document + with + instrument
Every diploma is sealed by the university registrar before it is handed to the graduate.
passive: be sealed by [authority]
The customs officer sealed the shipment after checking that all the paperwork was correct.
The embassy sealed the visa documents with its official blue stamp.
- stamp
more general; not limited to official seals
- certify
focuses on the approval aspect rather than the physical marking
- authenticate
formal and technical, emphasizes verifying genuineness
文法句型
seal + noun phrase
be sealed + with + instrument
用法筆記
The object is always a document, certificate, or official item. The passive is very common (be sealed by someone / with something). Distinguish from sense 2 (FINALIZE / CONFIRM) — this sense is about the physical act of stamping, not about making a decision certain.
常見錯誤
5. to close an envelope, container, bag, or opening firmly so that air, water, or d
to close an envelope, container, bag, or opening firmly so that air, water, or dirt cannot get in or out, or so that the contents cannot fall out or be tampered with.
The nurse sealed the medicine bottle tightly after taking out one pill.
seal + container + adverb
Maria sealed the envelope with tape before dropping it into the mailbox.
The police sealed off the street after the accident so no cars could pass through.
Seal the freezer bag tight so the fish does not get freezer burn.
All the windows were sealed shut to keep the cold winter air outside.
文法句型
seal + noun phrase
seal up + noun phrase
be sealed + shut/closed/tight
用法筆記
The most frequent verb sense of 'seal'. Often takes up (seal up a package, seal up a crack) or off (seal off an area). The adjective shut or tight commonly follows. The participle 'sealed' (adjective sense) is also very common.
常見錯誤
6. to cover or fill small openings, cracks, or holes in a surface with a paste, pla
to cover or fill small openings, cracks, or holes in a surface with a paste, plaster, or similar material so that air, water, or dirt cannot pass through.
The carpenter sealed the gaps between the floorboards with wood filler before sanding them down.
seal + gaps/cracks/holes + with + material
You should seal the bathroom tiles with silicone to stop water from getting behind them.
imperative: seal + surface + with + product
The cracks in the driveway were sealed with a black tar compound last summer.
Sahil sealed the holes in his garage roof with a waterproof sealant.
文法句型
seal + noun phrase + with + material
seal + surface area
用法筆記
The object is typically a surface with imperfections (cracks, gaps, holes, joints) or the material used to fill them. This sense overlaps with sense 5 (CLOSE SECURELY), but here the focus is specifically on repairing a surface, not just closing a container. Common in DIY and construction contexts.
常見錯誤
sealed — noun
1. A sea animal that lives mainly in cold waters, has smooth skin and flippers, and
A sea animal that lives mainly in cold waters, has smooth skin and flippers, and feeds on fish and other sea creatures.
A gray seal popped its head above the water near the pier in Iceland.
subject + verb of movement: seal popped its head
Luca watched a colony of seals sunbathing on the rocky beach in Norway.
The aquarium's new baby seal quickly became a favourite with visitors.
Stephanie spotted a seal swimming between the icebergs during her trip to Antarctica.
2. The skin or fur of a seal, prepared and used for making clothing, bags, or other
The skin or fur of a seal, prepared and used for making clothing, bags, or other items.
The traditional coat was made from seal fur and kept the fisherman warm in winter.
made from + [seal fur] for material origin
Indigenous communities in Greenland have used seal skin for boots and gloves for centuries.
Eli bought a leather wallet stamped with the words genuine seal leather.
The museum displayed traditional parkas sewn from seal intestine by Inuit artisans.
- sealskin
specifically refers to the raw or tanned skin of a seal
用法筆記
This sense is less common in modern English due to conservation concerns and trade restrictions on seal products.
3. A dark brown color, similar to the fur of some kinds of seals.
A dark brown color, similar to the fur of some kinds of seals.
Vivek chose a seal brown tie to match his charcoal suit for the wedding.
color modifier: seal brown + noun
The winter coat came in black, navy, and seal brown.
Mizuki chose a seal brown rug for her living room to create a warm atmosphere.
Theo painted his study walls in seal brown for a warm, cosy feel.
用法筆記
Primarily used in fashion and design contexts to describe a specific shade of dark brown.
4. Something that officially confirms something is true, certain, or approved, ofte
Something that officially confirms something is true, certain, or approved, often used in formal or figurative contexts.
The CEO's personal approval put the seal on the merger agreement.
put the seal on + [agreement] — figurative final confirmation
Zuri considered the scholarship offer a seal of her hard work throughout high school.
The treaty was signed under the seal of the United Nations.
The mayor gave the community project her seal of approval during the town hall meeting.
- confirmation
more general, less formal
- ratification
specifically legal or formal approval
- rejection
the opposite of official approval
用法筆記
Common in the phrase 'seal of approval' and 'put the seal on something'. This is a figurative extension of the official stamp sense.
常見錯誤
5. An official mark, design, or tool pressed or stamped onto a document to show it
An official mark, design, or tool pressed or stamped onto a document to show it is genuine, approved, or legally valid.
The notary pressed her official seal onto the last page of the contract.
press + [possessive] + official seal + onto + [document]
Every university diploma must carry the school's embossed seal to be valid.
Amihan noticed the red wax seal on the ancient letter and knew it had not been opened.
Ziad framed the document with its gold embossed seal and hung it in his office.
用法筆記
Can refer to both the physical tool (a stamp or die) and the mark it leaves. Historic seals were made of wax; modern ones are often embossed or inked stamps.
常見錯誤
6. A small sticky piece of paper, often decorated, that is used to close envelopes
A small sticky piece of paper, often decorated, that is used to close envelopes or packages.
Rafael licked the envelope seal and pressed the flap down firmly.
verb + object: licked + the envelope seal
Dahlia collected decorative seals from every country her pen pal wrote to her from.
The wedding invitations came with gold seals that matched the ribbon.
Dahlia carefully peeled the old seal off the envelope and added it to her collection.
- sticker
more general; seal implies a specific function of closing or authenticating
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 5: this is a decorative or functional adhesive label for closing mail, not an authenticating stamp on official documents.
7. a physical piece of material, such as melted wax or a plastic strip, that is pla
a physical piece of material, such as melted wax or a plastic strip, that is placed over a join or opening to fasten it shut and reveal whether it has been opened before.
The letter arrived with a red wax seal stamped with the family crest.
wax seal — traditional embossed closure for documents
Lin broke the tamper-evident seal on the juice bottle before pouring a glass.
tamper-evident seal — factory closure that shows if opened
A paper seal across the envelope flap confirmed the message had not been read.
The security seal on the shipping box had been cut open by customs officers.
8. a fitted ring or band of rubber, plastic, or metal that stops air, water, or gas
a fitted ring or band of rubber, plastic, or metal that stops air, water, or gas from moving between two parts of a machine, pipe, or container.
The rubber seal around the refrigerator door keeps cold air from leaking out.
rubber seal — common material for airtight barriers
A worn seal in the water pipe caused a slow drip under the kitchen sink.
The mechanic replaced the engine's oil seal to stop the leak completely.
A silicone seal along the window frame stopped cold draughts in winter.
用法筆記
Commonly modified by a material word (rubber seal, silicone seal) or by the substance it blocks (oil seal, water seal).
常見錯誤
9. a design, emblem, or object that represents the authority of a particular office
a design, emblem, or object that represents the authority of a particular office, institution, or role, typically displayed on ceremonial items such as chains, flags, rings, or banners rather than used to stamp documents.
The mayor wore a silver chain bearing the city's seal during the inauguration ceremony.
wore a chain bearing the seal — ceremonial display, not document stamping
The royal seal is embroidered on the flag that flies above the palace whenever the king is in residence.
embroidered on the flag — displayed as a symbol
Mei's grandfather passed down a gold ring engraved with the family seal to her on graduation day.
The university's seal hangs in the main hall as a carved wooden crest three metres wide.
用法筆記
Unlike sense 5 (a stamp or mark used to authenticate documents), this sense focuses on the seal as a ceremonial symbol of office — worn, displayed, or carried rather than pressed onto paper. Common carriers include chains, rings, flags, and building crests.
sealed — adjective
- sealedpositive
- sealedercomparative
- sealedestsuperlative
1. Describes a container, envelope, door, or opening that has been closed and faste
Describes a container, envelope, door, or opening that has been closed and fastened so that it cannot be opened without breaking or removing the seal.
A sealed envelope lay on the kitchen table with Walid's name on it.
sealed + envelope — common collocation for containers
The police officer examined the sealed bag of evidence before court.
Diego broke the sealed lid of the honey jar and spread some on his toast.
All sealed packages must pass through the security scanner before entering the building.
The window was sealed shut with tape after the winter storm cracked the frame.
文法句型
sealed + noun (envelope, container, bag, door, package)
用法筆記
Often used in passive constructions (was sealed) and in compound adjectives (sealed-off, sealed-tight) to describe a state that results from a closing action.
常見錯誤
2. Describes a surface, such as wood, concrete, fabric, or stone, that has been tre
Describes a surface, such as wood, concrete, fabric, or stone, that has been treated with a protective substance to prevent water, air, or dirt from passing through.
The wooden fence was sealed with a waterproof varnish before the rainy season began.
sealed with + [substance] — specifies the coating material
A sealed concrete floor is much easier to sweep and mop than an untreated one.
Asher bought a sealed rain jacket for hiking in the mountains of Taiwan.
The artist sealed the canvas with a clear spray to protect the oil paint from dust.
All the bathroom tiles are sealed with a special grout that stops mould from growing.
- coated
broader term; coating may be decorative rather than protective
- waterproofed
more specific; emphasises water resistance as the purpose
- treated
general; implies some chemical or physical process applied
文法句型
sealed + with + substance (varnish, wax, resin)
用法筆記
Frequently appears in product descriptions and DIY instructions. The substance used for sealing is introduced with 'with' (sealed with wax / sealed with resin).
常見錯誤
3. Describes a decision, agreement, deal, or outcome that has been made final and c
Describes a decision, agreement, deal, or outcome that has been made final and cannot be changed or reversed.
After three months of talks the trade deal was sealed and the partners celebrated.
passive: deal was sealed — indicates finalisation
The team's victory in the semi-finals sealed their place in the championship match.
Once the judge read the verdict aloud, the defendant knew his fate was sealed.
A sealed contract leaves no room for either side to change the terms later.
The singer's final performance sealed her reputation as one of the greatest artists of her time.
- finalised
more neutral; no implication of ceremony or permanence
- settled
suggests resolution after negotiation
- irreversible
emphasises that the outcome cannot be undone
- reversible
the opposite quality; can still be changed
- pending
not yet decided or finalised
- open
still subject to discussion or change
文法句型
be sealed — describing a finalised state
sealed + noun (deal, fate, contract, agreement)
用法筆記
This sense is almost always figurative — it does not refer to a physical seal. The most common expressions are 'the deal is sealed', 'my fate was sealed', and 'sealed the victory/agreement'. Typically used in passive or past-participle form.
常見錯誤
4. Describes information, documents, records, or proceedings that are being kept se
Describes information, documents, records, or proceedings that are being kept secret or have not yet been revealed to the public.
The judge ordered a sealed hearing to protect the young witness from media attention.
sealed hearing — legal term for a private court session
The company's bid for the construction project remains sealed until the deadline next Friday.
Talia's exam results are still sealed in an envelope on the registrar's desk.
A sealed court record cannot be viewed by the public without a special order from the judge.
The sealed documents contain details about the merger that no one outside the board has seen.
- confidential
emphasises the restricted access rather than the physical state
- undisclosed
neutral; simply 'not yet revealed'
- classified
stronger; implies official secrecy for national security
文法句型
sealed + noun (documents, records, bids, orders, hearing)
用法筆記
Primarily used in legal, official, and business contexts. A 'sealed record' or 'sealed document' is one that a court or authority has ordered to be kept confidential. Distinguish from sense 1 (physically closed) — in sense 4, the secrecy is the key idea, not the physical closure.