A1noun1K

Coat

UK /["/kəʊt/"]/US /["/kəʊt/"]/

Definition

a piece of outdoor clothing that is worn over other clothes to keep warm or dry. Coats have sleeves (= parts covering the arms) and may be long or short.

In simple words: A piece of clothing worn over the body to keep warm.

Examples

  • I put on my coat because it was very cold outside.
  • She wore a beautiful coat made of wool.
  • The painter decided to coat the wall with bright colors.
  • You need to coat the cake with icing before serving it.
  • After the first coat of paint dried, we applied a second coat.

Usage notes

Used in everyday conversation. Suitable for both formal and informal settings. Not used when referring to lighter jackets or vests. 'Coat' specifies a heavier garment, while 'jacket' can refer to lighter outerwear.

Grammar pattern

wear + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'coat' as something you ' coat' your body with to stay warm.

Collocations

  • long
  • short
  • three-quarter length
  • don
  • pull on
  • put on
  • collar
  • pocket
  • sleeve
  • long
  • short
  • three-quarter length
  • don
  • pull on
  • put on
  • collar
  • pocket
  • sleeve
  • long
  • short
  • thick
  • shed
  • thick
  • light
  • thin
  • apply
  • put on
  • dry
  • coat of

Synonyms

  • jacket
  • overcoat
  • outerwear
  • parka
  • cape

Antonyms

  • expose
  • bare

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'coat' with 'jacket' when referring to warm clothing.
  • Using 'coats' as a verb (it's a noun unless used in a specific idiomatic expression).