What does decal mean?
A decal is a type of design or picture that is transferred from a paper backing to a surface using a moist adhesive. Decals are commonly used for decorative purposes, such as adding stripes or logos to cars, or for identification purposes, such as labeling products on store shelves. The term decal can refer to both the process of applying a design and the design itself. Decals are often made of vinyl or other flexible materials and can be easily removed without leaving residue. The use of decals allows for a wide range of customization and personalization options, making them a popular choice for many industries and applications.
nounA decal is a design or picture that is transferred from a paper backing to a surface, such as a car window or a piece of pottery, using a moist adhesive.
- A design or picture transferred from paper to a surface.
- A type of sticker or label used for decoration or identification.
"The car enthusiast carefully applied the vintage racing stripe decal to the side of his prized possession."
"The child's toy car was covered in colorful decals of flames and racing stripes."
"The company uses decals to identify its products on store shelves."
The plural form decals is used when referring to multiple designs or pictures.
"The store sells a variety of decals for cars and laptops."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of decal
The word decal is derived from the French word décalque, which refers to a type of transfer paper used for copying designs. The term decal has been in use in English since the late 19th century and has evolved to encompass a wide range of applications, from art and decoration to product labeling and identification.
Usage notes
Decal can refer to both the process of applying a design and the design itself. It is commonly used in contexts such as automotive customization, pottery decoration, and product labeling.