1 B2 neutral
(Cooking) To retain the natural juices, flavour, or moisture of food, typically by searing it quickly at high heat
"Sear the steak on a very hot pan to seal in the juices before finishing it in the oven."
separable
seal in
B2 neutral separable transitive
To enclose something so that it is retained or preserved inside, preventing it from escaping
In plain English
To keep something good (like flavour or warmth) inside by closing it tightly
What does "seal in" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To enclose something within a container or material so that it cannot escape
"The vacuum packaging seals in the freshness for up to two weeks."
separable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
(Figurative) To secure or preserve a quality, advantage, or feeling
"The late goal sealed in their lead and guaranteed qualification for the final."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To seal (close tightly) something in — 'in' reinforces containment; fairly transparent
Actually means
To keep something good (like flavour or warmth) inside by closing it tightly
Usage tip
Most commonly used in cooking (sealing in juices or flavour by searing meat) and in packaging or manufacturing. Also used figuratively to describe locking in advantages or qualities.
Words that pair with "seal in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
flavour juices moisture freshness heat nutrients
How to conjugate "seal in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
seal in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
seals in
he/she/it
Past simple
sealed in
yesterday
Past participle
sealed in
have + pp
-ing form
sealing in
continuous
Hear "seal in" in the wild
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Other ways to say "seal in"
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