What does resealing mean?
Resealing means sealing something again after it has been opened, loosened, damaged, or otherwise left without a secure closure. The action can involve an envelope or parcel being closed for a second time, a jar being fitted with a new lid or seal, or a package being repaired and closed again. In everyday use, the word often suggests restoring a protective or tamper-resistant closure rather than sealing an object for the first time. It may also have a figurative meaning in contexts where an agreement, boundary, or matter is formally closed again, although the literal sense is more common. Resealing is formed from the prefix re-, meaning “again,” and the verb “seal.” The resulting verb is useful when the sequence of opening and closing matters: “resealed” emphasizes that a seal has been renewed, while “resealing” describes the act of closing something once more. It is common in instructions, packaging descriptions, shipping, food storage, and discussions of damaged or reused containers.
verbTo close or seal something again after it has been opened, damaged, or otherwise unsealed.
- To close, fasten, or seal something again after it has been opened or loosened.
"After checking the contents, she carefully resealed the envelope."
"The manufacturer resealed the damaged box before returning it to the customer."
"He resealed the jar and wrote the date on the lid."
Resealing is sealing all over again: the prefix re- signals that the first seal has already been broken.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does resealing come from?
“Reseal” was formed in English by combining the prefix re-, meaning “again,” with “seal,” from the Latin sigillum, meaning “a seal” or “sealed document.” The prefix re- indicates that a previous opening or unsealing has taken place. Related English words such as “conceal” and “signature” ultimately derive from Latin roots associated with signs and sealing. As a verb, “reseal” developed from this transparent combination and is now used for both physical objects and, less commonly, formal or figurative closures.
Related word forms
How resealing is actually used
This form is commonly used as the present participle or gerund of the verb “reseal.” It is especially associated with envelopes, containers, packages, jars, and similar objects that have been opened or need a fresh seal.
Easily confused with resealing
Resealing means sealing something again, whereas reeling means staggering, spinning, or winding something onto a reel.