sealant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to technical
Quick answer
What does “sealant” mean?
A substance used to seal gaps, joints, or surfaces to prevent leakage, air passage, or corrosion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A substance used to seal gaps, joints, or surfaces to prevent leakage, air passage, or corrosion.
Any material, often a paste, liquid, or gel, that hardens to form a barrier. Can also refer metaphorically to something that creates a definitive or protective closure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling follows regional norms (e.g., British 'polymerise' vs. American 'polymerize' in technical contexts).
Connotations
Neutral in both dialects. Slightly more common in DIY/construction contexts in everyday speech.
Frequency
Comparably frequent. 'Caulk' (US) / 'caulking' (UK) is a near-synonym for a specific type of sealant used in building.
Grammar
How to Use “sealant” in a Sentence
Apply [sealant] to [surface].Use [sealant] for [purpose].[Sealant] is used to prevent [problem].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sealant” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not a standard verb. Use 'seal'.]
American English
- [Not a standard verb. Use 'seal'.]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form]
adjective
British English
- The sealant properties were tested.
- A sealant application tool.
American English
- The sealant properties were tested.
- A sealant application tool.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In manufacturing or construction supply sales: 'We distribute high-performance industrial sealants.'
Academic
In materials science or dentistry: 'The study compared the longevity of two composite sealants.'
Everyday
In DIY or home maintenance:
Technical
In engineering or construction specifications: 'Apply a bead of polysulfide sealant to the flange.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sealant”
- Using 'sealant' as a verb (incorrect: 'I will sealant the window.' Correct: 'I will apply sealant to the window.').
- Confusing 'sealant' (the product) with 'sealing' (the action).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A sealant primarily fills gaps to form a barrier against elements (air, water) and may have some adhesive property. An adhesive's primary function is to bond materials together. Some products are hybrid 'adhesive sealants'.
'Caulk' (US) or 'caulking' (UK) is a type of sealant, typically a flexible material used in construction to seal joints in buildings. All caulk is a sealant, but not all sealants (e.g., dental sealant, thread sealant) are caulk.
No. Different sealants (silicone, acrylic, polyurethane) are formulated for specific materials (glass, wood, metal, plastic) and conditions (indoor, outdoor, high movement). Using the wrong type can lead to failure.
Only conceptually. A dental sealant is a protective plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent decay. It shares the core concept of 'forming a protective barrier' but is a completely different product in a different field.
A substance used to seal gaps, joints, or surfaces to prevent leakage, air passage, or corrosion.
Sealant is usually neutral to technical in register.
Sealant: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsiːlənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsiːlənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for 'sealant' as a noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SEAL-ant. A tiny 'ant' carrying a pot of substance to SEAL up cracks in your home.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS A BARRIER; CLOSURE IS A PLUG.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'sealant' LEAST likely to be used?