sealing wax

noun

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

Examples of sealing wax in a Sentence

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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sealing wax.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near sealing wax

Cite this Entry

“Sealing wax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sealing%20wax. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

sealing wax

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

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