What does sticker mean?
A sticker is a small piece of paper, plastic, or another flexible material with writing or a design on it, made to be attached to an object such as a notebook, laptop, wall, or car. Stickers can be decorative, informative, or used to identify ownership or membership of a group. The phrase commonly describes attaching one with adhesive, as in “put a sticker on,” and stickers are often associated with personal expression, collectability, and informal communication. In British English, the word also has a less common informal meaning: a person who remains loyal to a particular person, place, team, or organisation. The noun is used in both British and American English, while the supporter sense is more characteristic of British usage. In its standard physical sense, a sticker is distinguished from a label more by its small, often decorative, and frequently adhesive form.
A small piece of paper, plastic, or similar material bearing a design, word, or other information and intended to be attached to a surface.
"She placed a bright sticker on the front of her folder."
Often decorative or adhesive; the word is used in British and American English.
Informally, a person who remains loyal to a person, place, team, or organisation.
"As a child, I was a sticker for the local football club."
This sense is especially common in British English and is usually informal or affectionate.
The usual plural is “stickers,” referring to multiple adhesive labels or designs.
"The children collected stickers and traded them with one another."
A sticker is a tiny label with a surprisingly large ability to express identity, allegiance, or personality.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sticker come from?
The word developed from the verb “stick,” meaning to adhere or fasten, with the suffix “-er” forming a noun associated with something that sticks or is attached. Its main modern sense, a small adhesive piece of paper or material, developed in the late nineteenth century. The informal sense meaning a loyal supporter also comes from the idea of remaining attached or committed. Related forms include “sticky” and the gerund “sticking,” while the word’s basic sense remains closely connected with adhesion.
Related word forms
How sticker is actually used
The informal sense meaning a loyal supporter is especially common in British English and may sound affectionate or mildly nostalgic in other contexts.
Easily confused with sticker
A sticker is a small adhesive label, whereas a stickler is a person who insists on strict adherence to rules or standards.