# coach

/ˈkoʊtʃ/ (US) · /kˈəʊtʃ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/coach
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. sports/skills trainer

noun · CEFR A2

a person who trains a person or a team in a sport or a specific skill.

For teachers: an individual who provides instruction, strategy, and training to athletes or students.

- The football coach shouted instructions from the side of the field.
- After the disappointing loss, the head coach spent hours reviewing game footage to identify defensive lapses.

### 2. long-distance bus

noun · CEFR B1 · British English

a large, comfortable bus used for long journeys between cities.

For teachers: a large motor vehicle used for long-distance transport, typically offering more comfort than a standard city bus.

- We took a coach from London to Edinburgh because it was cheaper than the train.
- The tour operator arranged a luxury coach equipped with reclining seats and climate control for the week-long excursion through the Alps.

Teaching tip: In British English, 'coach' is the standard term for intercity travel, whereas 'bus' usually refers to local city transport.

### 3. economy class

noun · CEFR B1 · American English

the cheapest seats on a plane or train.

For teachers: the standard or economy class of accommodation on a commercial aircraft or passenger train.

- I usually fly coach to save money on my business trips.
- Due to the last-minute booking, only a few seats in coach remained available, all of which were located in the very back of the aircraft.

Usage: Often used as a modifier before another noun, as in 'coach class' or 'coach seats'.

### 5. to train or teach

verb · CEFR B1

to give someone extra help or training to improve a skill.

For teachers: to act as a trainer or tutor; to provide intensive instruction or direction.

- She coaches young children in swimming every Saturday morning.
- He was hired to coach the executive team in public speaking ahead of the international conference.

Usage: Can be used transitively (coach someone) or intransitively (to coach).

### 6. traveling in economy

adverb · CEFR B2 · American English

traveling using the cheapest type of ticket.

For teachers: traveling in the economy or standard section of a commercial transport vehicle.

- The company policy requires all employees to fly coach for domestic flights.
- Even though he had the funds to upgrade, he preferred to travel coach and spend his budget on better hotels instead.

Usage: Typically follows verbs of travel like 'fly' or 'travel'.

## Examples

- The coach tells the players how to win the game.
- We decided to take the overnight coach to London because it was cheaper than the train.
- After the team's disappointing performance in the playoffs, the head coach implemented a rigorous new training schedule focused on defensive coordination and stamina.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.