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
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.
That is our signet, which makes a clean impression in sealing wax. — Charles Portis, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025 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

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

Rhymes for sealing wax

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Browse Nearby Words

sealing tape
sealing wax
sea lion
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Cite this Entry

“Sealing wax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sealing%20wax. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

sealing wax

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sealing wax

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sealing wax

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