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Definition of sellotape

sellotape

/ˈsɛləteɪp/
sel · lo · tape
Plural:sellotapes
•
Past Simple:sellotaped
•
Past Participle:sellotaped
•
Present Participle:sellotaping
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sellotape Lexical Profile

sellotape Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

British A transparent cellulose adhesive tape used for sticking paper, wrapping gifts, or repairing torn items.

Example

"She used a piece of sellotape to mend the torn page in her notebook."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for sellotape

• verb

1

British To fasten, seal, or repair something using transparent adhesive tape.

Example

"He sellotaped the notice to the inside of the shop window."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for sellotape

Word Nuance & Usage

Originally a proprietary trademark (capitalized as "Sellotape"), it is widely used in British and Commonwealth English as a generic lowercase noun and verb for any transparent adhesive tape, equivalent to "Scotch tape" in North America.

• Nearby Words

sellable
seller
selloff
sellotape
sellout
seltzer
semantic

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1937 as a British trademark by blending "cellulose" (with the initial 'c' altered to 's') and "tape".

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sellotape. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sellotape
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