teal

noun

ˈtēl How to pronounce teal (audio)
plural teal or teals
1
: teal blue
2
: any of various widely distributed small short-necked dabblers (genus Anas) compare blue-winged teal, green-winged teal

Illustration of teal

Illustration of teal
  • teal 2

Examples of teal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some nail artists take the trend in an elegant direction, with shades of silver, gold, and champagne, while others lean more playful, with pops of fuchsia, olive green, and teal. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026 But this revival wouldn’t be complete without a bit of luxurious lacquer and, according to the designer, nothing wears the finish quite so well as a deep teal. — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Aug. 2026 Like the other businesses, it's painted in bright colors, teal and orange, and decorated with fun art and unique lights by Kyle Bowles. — Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Ashcroft keeps the pace steady and the atmosphere churning, while Deming conjures a more generic but perfectly effective air of menace in damp shades of brown and teal. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for teal

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tele; akin to Middle Dutch teling teal

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of teal was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing teal

Rhymes for teal

See All Rhymes for teal

Browse Nearby Words

teakwood
teal
teal blue
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Teal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/teal. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

teal

noun
ˈtē(ə)l How to pronounce teal (audio)
plural teal or teals
: any of various small short-necked ducks

More from Merriam-Webster on teal

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about teal

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