ENGLISH
REFERENCE

coupe

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈkup// UK //kˈuːp// coupe
Definition

n. a car with a fixed roof and usually two doors. It is often smaller and looks more sporty than a standard four-door car.

n. a car with a fixed roof, typically featuring two doors and a sloping rear. Often distinguished from a sedan by its shorter wheelbase and more compact interior volume.


SIMPLE

He bought a sleek red coupe for his weekend drives.

CONTEXTUAL

The manufacturer released a new luxury coupe that prioritizes style and performance over rear-seat legroom.

COMPLEX

While the sedan remains the practical choice for families, the coupe appeals to enthusiasts who value a more aerodynamic profile and a stiffer chassis for spirited driving.

Etymology 1

Borrowed from French coupe. Doublet of cup, hive, and keeve.

Etymology 2

Borrowed from French coupé.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Usage

Commonly pronounced as 'koop' in North America and 'koo-pay' in British English.

Last updated May 6, 2026