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)
Synonyms of decal
: 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
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On the aesthetic front, Vanadium Grey Metallic accents on the sideview-mirror covers, the wheels, the model-designation decals on the doors, and on the badge at the rear help distinguish the latest Carrera T from its siblings. — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026 Her car was found the following day with the decal for her tanning business scraped off the window, and her cellphone was recovered from a lake south of Orlando, according to police. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026 Haunted Eyes Albeit creepy, nothing sends haunting vibes like a pair eye decals. — Michella Oré, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2026 Floor decals guide students to the space, which university leaders say was designed with student input. — Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for decal

See All Rhymes for decal

Browse Nearby Words

Decaisnea
decal
decalage
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Decal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decal. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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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"

More from Merriam-Webster on decal

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for decal

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about decal

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