sealskin

[ seel-skin ]

noun

1. the skin of a seal.
2. the skin or fur of the fur seal when prepared for making garments or leather items.
3. a garment or article made of this fur.

adjective

1. made of sealskin:

   a sealskin purse.

sealskin

/ ˈsiːlˌskɪn /

noun

1. 1. the skin or pelt of a fur seal, esp when dressed with the outer hair removed and the underfur dyed dark brown
   2. ( as modifier )

      a sealskin coat

2. a garment made of this skin

Word History and Origins

Origin of sealskin¹

First recorded in 1275–1325, sealskin is from the Middle English word seleskin. See seal ², skin

Example Sentences

The sand is dark and smooth and wet, gleaming like sealskin as the water pulls back.

From Literature

Ilya said, “Well, ah, does she...Are there any sealskins in your home at all?”

From Literature

The dogloo walls were made from blocks of ice, and the roofs were frozen boards of sealskin with snow piled on top.

From Literature

He met with survivors inside a school, sat outside on a chair covered in sealskin and faced the Arctic Sea as he listened to throat singers and watched drum dancers.

From New York Times

Because of extensive hunting for their sealskin, these seals had been declared extinct in the early 20th century.

From Washington Post