decal

noun

de·​cal ˈdē-ˌkal How to pronounce decal (audio) di-ˈkal How to pronounce decal (audio)
Canadian usually
ˈde-kəl How to pronounce decal (audio)
: a picture, design, or label made to be transferred (as to glass) from specially prepared paper

Examples of decal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The translucent finish gives the decals a gem-like quality that’s just stunning. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2025 In addition, the machines must have a certificate of registration,registration decals and a trail permit sticker. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 2 Jan. 2025 Smooth the decal from the center outward with your hand or a smoothing tool. Perri Ormont Blumberg, Architectural Digest, 27 Dec. 2024 The warm shade is offset quite nicely by a black grain vinyl hardtop, a white eBay decal across the top of the windshield, and chrome trim. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for decal 

Word History

Etymology

short for decalcomania

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of decal was in 1937

Dictionary Entries Near decal

Cite this Entry

“Decal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decal. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

decal

noun
de·​cal ˈdē-ˌkal How to pronounce decal (audio) di-ˈkal How to pronounce decal (audio)
ˈdek-əl
: a picture, design, or label made to be transferred (as to glass) from specially prepared paper
Etymology

a shortened form of earlier decalcomania "the art of transferring pictures," from French décalcomanie (same meaning), from décalquer "to copy by tracing" and manie "mania, craze"

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