decal

noun

de·​cal ˈdē-ˌkal  di-ˈkal 

Canadian usually

ˈde-kəl 

: 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

That thinking led to lesser designs such as a misguided remake of Paradise Pier into Pixar Pier at California Adventure, in which Pixar characters are basically treated as decals. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026

In addition to standard lettering, Kassatex has a menu of fun embroidery decals that can sit alongside monograms, including a lighthouse motif, delicate bow designs, and even a martini glass to turn tub time into a party. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 10 Aug. 2026

The 76ers were the first NBA team to strike a jersey patch deal, and the Devils led the NHL trend of adding helmet decals. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 5 Aug. 2026

For a kitchen, consider painting the lid or adding a decorative decal before mounting it. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

short for decalcomania

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for decal

• freckle
• meckel
• shekel
• speckle
• thecal

Kids Definition

decal

noun

de·​cal ˈdē-ˌkal  di-ˈkal 

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"