sealing wax

noun

: a resinous composition that is plastic when warm and is used for sealing (such as letters, dry cells, or cans)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Until now, the standard way to read a letterlocked letter necessitated physically unfolding it, disturbing the intricate folds and potentially damaging the paper as a result of removing sealing wax and cutting the paper. —Sara Castellanos, WSJ, 2 Mar. 2021

Ruthie updated the chairs by painting the seat upholstery with chalk-finish paint and applying sealing wax over top. Black chalk-finish paint and wallpaper taped behind the shelves updated a traditional hutch that belonged to the previous owners. —Maria V. Charbonneaux, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Oct. 2022

Lampblack, India ink, and vegetable dyes provided color, along with verdigris for green and sealing wax for red. —Willard Spiegelman, WSJ, 29 July 2022

There were also two pieces of paper on top of the sealing wax. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 10 Dec. 2021

Once a used as signature or a form of legal authentication, and later as identification as to different types of work or hobbies when pressed into sealing wax, signet rings have been long been one of the most functional rings throughout history. —Beth Bernstein, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2021

More horrifically, his beloved Fanny perished in 1861, when her dress caught fire, most likely from a few drops of hot sealing wax falling onto the garment. —James Marcus, The New Yorker, 1 June 2020

From now on, internet replies may be expressed only via snapshots that are packaged, bound by sealing wax and mailed. —Chris Barton, latimes.com, 7 June 2018

Screw caps make so much more sense than corks or sealing wax and never leave a mess. —Esther Mobley, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Jan. 2018

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Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sealing wax

noun

: a composition that is plastic when warm and is used for sealing (as letters)