decal

[dee-kal, dih-kal]

noun

1. a specially prepared paper bearing a picture or design for transfer to wood, metal, glass, etc.

2. the picture or design itself.

verb (used with object)

decaled, decalled, decaling, decalling. 

1. to apply decals on.

decal

/ dɪˈkæl, ˈdiːkæl /

noun

1. short for decalcomania

verb

1. to transfer (a design) by decalcomania

Word History and Origins

Origin of decal¹

First recorded in 1950–55; shortened form of decalcomania

Example Sentences

France and Germany require vehicles traveling in these areas to have special decals to show they meet emissions standards.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Through the tear gas and dust, his family recognized Retes’ car and the veteran decal on his window.

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A program allowing motorists with a Clean Air Vehicle decal to drive solo in carpool lanes is ending after it was not extended by the federal government, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

When Bento first studied the effects of the decal program in 2014, proponents argued it would cause an overall reduction in freeway traffic.

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More than a million motorists have applied for the decal since it became available more than two decades ago.

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Related Words

• emblem