Seal vs Seel: Differences And Uses For Each One

Have you ever wondered whether to use “seal” or “seel” in a sentence? Even though these two words sound the same, they have very different meanings and uses. Seal is a common word that can refer to a marine animal or the act of closing something securely.

On the other hand, seel is an old, rarely used word that means to sew shut the eyes of a bird of prey. Using the wrong word can confuse your readers and change the meaning of your sentence. In this article, we will explain the differences between seal and seel, show how to use them correctly, and give examples to make it easy to remember.

Define Seal

The word “seal” has two main meanings:

As a noun (the animal):
A seal is a marine mammal that lives in oceans, seas, and sometimes freshwater. Seals have streamlined bodies and flippers, which help them swim quickly. They are carnivorous, feeding on fish, squid, and crustaceans, and are known for their playful and curious nature.
Example:
- The seal swam gracefully through the water.
As a noun or verb (the action/device):

As a noun: A seal can be a stamp, emblem, or device used to close, secure, or authenticate something.
As a verb: To seal something means to close it tightly or fasten it securely, such as an envelope, container, or package.
Examples:
- The envelope was sealed with tape.
- The company put a seal on the official document.

Define Seel

The word “seel” is an archaic verb that has a very specific meaning. It was historically used in falconry to sew shut the eyes of a bird of prey, such as a hawk or falcon. This was done to keep the bird calm or to train it for hunting.

The process involved using a fine thread to partially close the eyelids, leaving only a small hole for the bird to see through.
Today, seeling is no longer practiced and the word is rarely used outside historical or literary contexts.

Example:

The falconer seels the hawk’s eyes to calm it down.

How To Properly Use “Seal” and “Seel” In a Sentence

Using words correctly is important to avoid confusion. Although seal and seel sound alike, their meanings are very different.

Using “Seal” in a Sentence

“Seal” can be a noun (animal or device) or a verb (to close securely).

Example as a noun (animal):

The seal played with a ball at the aquarium.
We saw a seal swimming near the shore.

as a noun (device/stamp):

The notary placed a seal on the official document.
The wine bottle had a broken seal.

as a verb (to close securely):

Please seal the envelope before mailing it.
The plumber sealed the pipe to prevent leaks.

Using “Seel” in a Sentence

“Seel” is a verb that means to sew shut the eyes of a bird of prey or, more generally, to close or blindfold something. It is archaic and rarely used today.

Examples:

The falconer seels the hawk’s eyes to keep it calm.
In medieval times, trainers would seel the birds’ eyes for hunting practice.
The magician seels the volunteer’s eyes before the trick.

More Examples of Seal & Seel in Sentences

Examples Using “Seal”

The hunter spotted a seal resting on the ice.
The envelope was sealed with wax before sending it.
The president put his seal of approval on the new law.
The diver watched a seal swim gracefully underwater.
The sailor used a seal to prevent water from entering the ship.
The company’s logo featured a seal balancing a ball on its nose.
The lawyer advised his client to seal the deal with a written contract.
The chef used a seal to mark the steak as cooked to order.
The archaeologist discovered an ancient seal in the ruins.
The government placed a seal on the confidential documents.

Examples Using “Seel”

The falconer seels the bird’s eyes to keep it calm.
In medieval times, knights would seel the eyes of birds used in battle.
The surgeon seels the wound to prevent infection.
The trainer seels the horse’s eyes to help it relax.
The breeder seels the chicks’ eyes to stop them from pecking each other.
The magician seels the volunteer’s eyes before performing the trick.
The falconer seels the bird’s eyes to train it for hunting.
The artist seels the canvas before painting to create a texture.
The researcher seels the microscope to block out light interference.
The police seel the suspect’s eyes to protect sensitive information.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Even though seal and seel sound alike, many people confuse them. Here are the most common mistakes:

Using “Seal” instead of “Seel”

I need to seal the hawk’s eyes before training it.
Correct: I need to seel the hawk’s eyes before training it.

Using “Seel” instead of “Seal”

Please seel the envelope before mailing it.
Correct: Please seal the envelope before mailing it.

Confusing “Seal” with “Ceiling”

The seal in this room is very high.
Correct: The ceiling in this room is very high.

Not considering context

“Seal” can mean animal, closure, or official stamp.
“Seel” refers to sewing shut a bird’s eyes or archaic closing actions.

Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes

To use seal and seel correctly, follow these simple tips:

Understand the Meaning
- Always check whether you mean a marine animal, a closure, or a historical bird-handling action.
- Ask yourself: Is this modern or archaic?
Double-Check the Spelling
- “Seal” is common in today’s English.
- “Seel” is rare and mostly historical or literary.
Consider the Context
- Use seal for envelopes, packages, deals, or animals.
- Use seel only for sewing shut the eyes of a bird or in specific archaic expressions.

Context Matters

Choosing between seal and seel depends heavily on the context of your sentence. Even though these words sound the same, their meanings are very different, so understanding the situation is key.

Seal

When to use:
- Referring to a marine animal.
- Describing the act of closing or fastening something securely.
- Talking about an official stamp or emblem.
Examples:
- The diver saw a seal swimming near the coral reef.
- Please seal the envelope before sending it.
- The contract was sealed with the company’s official stamp.

Seel

When to use:
- In historical or literary contexts related to falconry.
- To sew shut a bird’s eyes or, metaphorically, to blindfold or close something.
Examples:
- The falconer had to seel the bird’s eyes before transporting it.
- The magician seels the box before performing the trick.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using seal and seel are usually straightforward, there are some exceptions where their usage may differ:

1. Legal Terminology

In legal documents, seal can indicate that a document is official and binding, not just physically closed.
Example: The contract was signed and sealed by both parties.
Note: Here, “sealed” does not mean using tape or wax—it refers to legal authenticity.

2. Regional Variations

In some dialects, especially in Scots English, “seel” may be used to mean seal (a stamp or emblem).
This is rare and not standard in modern English.

3. Idiomatic Expressions

Some expressions use seal or seel figuratively:
- Seal one’s fate → make a decision that determines the outcome.
- Seel one’s lips → remain silent or keep a secret.
These idioms do not follow the traditional literal meanings of the words, so understanding context is important.

Practice Exercises: Seal vs Seel

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Word

Fill in the blanks with either seal or seel:

The _______ on the envelope was broken.
I need to _______ the deal before it’s too late.
The _______ was basking on the rock by the shore.
The falconer carefully _______ the hawk’s eyes during training.
The company put a _______ on the package to prevent tampering.

Answer Key:

seal
seal
seal
seel
seal

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blank

Choose the correct word form from the options:

After catching the fish, the fisherman decided to _______ it up before releasing it. (seal / seel)
The envelope was _______ tightly to protect its contents. (sealed / seeled)
The _______ performed tricks at the aquarium. (seal / seel)
The lawyer advised his client to _______ the deal immediately. (seal / seel)

Answer Key:

seel
sealed
seal
seal

Exercise 3: True or False

“Seel” is commonly used in modern English. → False
“Seal” can refer to both an animal and the act of closing something. → True
Using “seal” for sewing a bird’s eyes is correct. → False
“Seal one’s fate” is an idiomatic expression. → True

Conclusion

In summary, seal and seel may sound alike, but they have very different meanings and uses. Seal is the modern word we use for a marine animal, a device, or the action of closing something securely. On the other hand, seel is an archaic term used in historical falconry to sew shut the eyes of a bird of prey.

Understanding the context is key to using these words correctly. Using them properly ensures that your writing is clear and avoids confusion. Remember the common mistakes, idioms, and exceptions we discussed, and practice with exercises to strengthen your skills.

By paying attention to these differences and practicing regularly, you can confidently use seal and seel in the right situations, making your writing precise and professional.

FAQs: Seal vs Seel

What is the difference between seal and seel?
“Seal” is a modern word referring to a marine animal, a device, or closing something securely. “Seel” is an archaic word meaning to sew shut the eyes of a bird of prey.

Can I use seal and seel interchangeably?
No. They have different meanings and are used in completely different contexts. Using them interchangeably is incorrect.

What are some common mistakes with seal and seel?
Common mistakes include using “seal” instead of “seel” for birds, using “seel” instead of “seal” for closures, and confusing “seal” with “ceiling.”

Is seel used in modern English?
No. “Seel” is archaic and mostly found in historical or literary contexts, especially in falconry.

Can seal be used in idioms?
Yes. Examples include “seal one’s fate” (decisive action) or in legal contexts, “signed and sealed” for official documents.

Emily Grace

Hi, I’m Emily Grace, a blogger with over 4 years of experience in sharing thoughts about blessings, prayers, and mindful living. I love writing words that inspire peace, faith, and positivity in everyday life.