English Reference
adjective

sealed

adj.
US /ˈsiɫd/ UK /sˈiːld/ sealed

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    closed so tightly that air, water, or dirt cannot get inside.

    fastened or closed securely to prevent the passage of air, liquid, or other substances.

    Simple

    Keep the coffee in a sealed container so it stays fresh for longer.

    In context

    The forensic team recovered several sealed glass jars from the basement, each containing chemical residues that had been preserved for decades.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    officially decided and impossible to change.

    firmly established or decided in a way that is considered final or unalterable.

    Simple

    Once the judge signed the papers, their fate was sealed.

    In context

    The victory in the northern provinces effectively sealed the outcome of the election, leaving the opposition with no path to a majority.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate British EnglishDialect

    a road that has a smooth, hard surface like asphalt.

    describing a road surface that has been paved with asphalt, bitumen, or concrete.

    Simple

    The map showed that the main highway was a sealed road all the way to the coast.

    In context

    The tour bus struggled on the gravel tracks, but the driver promised we would reach a sealed road within the hour.

    Usage

    Commonly used in Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the UK to distinguish from dirt roads.

    unsealeddirtgravel
This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated