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.
Flamboyant hood and rear fender decals are also available. Mark Phelan, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025 Tulane honored the 2005 team that played in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina by wearing plain green helmets with no decals. Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025 During their game Saturday at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, the team wore green jerseys without a decal on their green helmets to honor the 2005 team. Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2025 Gaga, naturally, opted for red latex and matching glittery eye decals. EW.com, 31 Aug. 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 9 Sep. 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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