ceil, seal, seel

The words ceil, seal, seel sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. Why do ceil, seal, seel sound the same even though they are completely different words?

The answer is simple: ceil, seal, seel are homophones of the English language.

ceil
  1. :: verb-transitive

    To provide or cover with a ceiling.

  2. :: verb-transitive

    Nautical To provide (a ship) with interior planking or lining.

seal
  1. :: noun

    A die or signet having a raised or incised emblem used to stamp an impression on a receptive substance such as wax or lead.

  2. :: noun

    The impression so made.

  3. :: noun

    The design or emblem itself, belonging exclusively to the user: a monarch's seal.

  4. :: noun

    A small disk or wafer of wax, lead, or paper bearing such an imprint and affixed to a document to prove authenticity or to secure it.

seel
  1. :: verb-transitive

    To stitch closed the eyes of (a falcon).

Definitions from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition and Wordnik.

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About Homophones

Homophones (literally "same sound") are usually defined as words that share the same pronunciation, regardless of how they are spelled.

If they are spelled the same then they are also homographs (and homonyms); if they are spelled differently then they are also heterographs (literally "different writing").