# coating

/ˈkoʊtɪŋ/ (US) · /kˈəʊtɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/coating
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a thin layer

noun · CEFR B2

a thin layer of a substance that covers a surface.

For teachers: a thin outer layer of a substance applied to a surface for protection, decoration, or function.

- The metal fence needs a fresh coating of paint to prevent it from rusting.
- The technician applied a specialized non-stick coating to the industrial molds to ensure the plastic components could be removed without damage.

Usage: Often followed by the preposition 'of'.

### 2. a reprimand

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Slang

a situation where someone shouts at you or tells you that you have done something very wrong.

For teachers: a severe verbal reprimand or 'telling-off'.

- The manager gave him a real coating for arriving late three days in a row.
- After the disastrous presentation, the junior consultant received a proper coating from the senior partner in front of the entire team.

Usage: Commonly used with the verbs 'give' or 'get'.

Teaching tip: This is highly informal and specific to British English; learners should use 'reprimand' or 'scolding' in professional contexts.

## Examples

- The car has a shiny silver coating.
- The technician applied a waterproof coating to the outdoor wires to prevent rust during the rainy season.
- A specialized non-stick coating allows the medical device to pass through the artery without causing friction or damaging the delicate vessel walls.

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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.