# coat

/ˈkoʊt/ (US) · /kˈəʊt/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. clothing

noun · CEFR A1

a piece of clothing with sleeves that you wear over other clothes to stay warm or dry.

For teachers: an outer garment covering the upper torso and arms, typically worn for protection against weather.

- Don't forget to put on your heavy coat before you go out into the snow.
- The woollen coat provided excellent insulation against the biting wind, though its lack of waterproofing made it unsuitable for the heavy sleet.

### 2. animal fur

noun · CEFR B1

the hair, fur, or feathers that cover an animal's body.

For teachers: the natural integumentary covering of an animal, such as fur, hair, or wool.

- The dog has a thick, shiny coat because he eats very healthy food.
- During the winter months, the mountain hares develop a white coat to provide camouflage against the deep snow.

### 3. a layer of material

noun · CEFR B1

a single layer of something, like paint or sugar, that covers a surface.

For teachers: a single thickness or layer of a substance applied to a surface.

- The wall looks much better now that it has a second coat of blue paint.
- The carpenter applied a thin coat of varnish to protect the wood while still allowing the natural grain to remain visible.

### 4. nautical seal

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a piece of material used to stop water from leaking down a mast on a ship.

For teachers: a protective covering, historically made of tarred canvas, secured around a mast or bowsprit to prevent water ingress into the hold.

- The sailor checked the coat around the mast to make sure no water was getting in.
- The shipwright replaced the perished rubber coat at the base of the mainmast to ensure the lower decks remained dry during the crossing.

Usage: In modern contexts, these are typically constructed from rubber or leather rather than canvas.

## Examples

- Don't forget to wear your coat because it is cold outside.
- She hung her heavy winter coat on the hook by the door as soon as she entered the house.
- The fashion designer's latest collection features a wool coat that combines traditional tailoring with modern, waterproof materials for urban commuters.

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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.