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 To find out your schedule, look for the orange or purple decal under the blue cart lid. Dana Oland, Idaho Statesman, 8 Apr. 2024 Only first-time owners of eligible vehicles qualify for the decals. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2024 The second-generation example has high-gloss finish that accentuates the vehicle’s clean lines and provides a proper showcase for the period-correct decal across the trunk lid. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 29 Mar. 2024 Companies paid a large amount of money to have their brands tied to the Empire Classic, so Flanigan wanted the on-court decals to be in positions that were most visible for people in the arena and on television. Tim Casey, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023 Players put decals on their helmets with similar slogans or names of Black people killed by police. Noreen Nasir, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2024 The logos are also on T-shirts, decals, challenge coins and hoodies. Christina Mayo, Miami Herald, 2 Mar. 2024 Food trucks and exclusive merchandise like bucket hats and team decals were added. Ken Belson Alex Welsh, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2024 There are more than 50 decals that can go on the bottom of the plate to recognize different wars, military branches and medal designations. Journal Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'decal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Apr. 2024.

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"

More from Merriam-Webster on decal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!