sealed: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Formal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “sealed” mean?
fastened or secured tightly to prevent access or leakage.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
fastened or secured tightly to prevent access or leakage.
Formally and conclusively closed, settled, or authenticated; made impervious to outside influence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is nearly identical. Minor preference in US English for 'sealed' in legal/business contexts ('sealed bid', 'sealed records').
Connotations
Both varieties associate 'sealed' with permanence, security, and official closure.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American legal and corporate discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “sealed” in a Sentence
Something is sealed (by someone)Seal something (shut/up)Have/get something sealedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sealed” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She sealed the envelope with a sense of finality.
- The treaty was sealed in 1842.
- They sealed the window frames to prevent draughts.
American English
- He sealed the jar before putting it in the fridge.
- The prosecutor moved to have the records sealed.
- They sealed the deal with a handshake.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referring to confidential bids, finalized contracts, or secure packaging.
Academic
Describing experimental conditions, archival documents, or isolated systems.
Everyday
Talking about food containers, envelopes, or windows.
Technical
In engineering, referring to gaskets, vacuum systems, or waterproofing.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sealed”
- Using 'sealed' for temporary closure (use 'closed'). Overusing in place of 'signed' (a contract is signed AND sealed).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is often used metaphorically for agreements, fates, or decisions (e.g., 'sealed deal', 'sealed fate').
'Closed' is general. 'Sealed' implies a tighter, more secure, and often deliberate or official closure intended to prevent access or leakage.
Yes, e.g., 'She sealed the package.' More commonly, it's used in the passive or as an adjective describing a state.
It means sealed completely airtight, often referring to scientific, medical, or high-tech packaging to exclude all air and moisture.
fastened or secured tightly to prevent access or leakage.
Sealed is usually formal to neutral in register.
Sealed: in British English it is pronounced /siːld/, and in American English it is pronounced /sild/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “My lips are sealed”
- “Sealed with a kiss”
- “Sealed fate/destiny”
- “The deal is sealed”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SEAL animal pressing its nose against something to close it tight.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOSURE IS SECURITY / FINALITY IS A SEAL
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'sealed' LEAST appropriate?