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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This means police don’t have to display bold decals to pursue you. Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 15 June 2025 But the ongoing matchup between the Western Conference champion Oklahoma City Thunder and the Eastern Conference winners — the Indiana Pacers — featured virtual decals. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2025 Additionally, 76% of respondents said that others were interested in the decal and learned from it. Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 19 May 2025 Customers who prefer not to have the decals may also specify their vehicle without those elements. Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Decal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decal. Accessed 29 Jun. 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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