# poncho

/ˈpɑntʃoʊ/ (US) · /pˈɒntʃəʊ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/poncho
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. traditional garment

noun · CEFR B2

a warm piece of clothing made from a large sheet of fabric with a hole in the middle for your head.

For teachers: a traditional outer garment made of a single piece of fabric, typically wool, with a central opening for the head.

- She bought a colourful wool poncho while travelling through the mountains of Peru.
- The artisan demonstrated how the traditional poncho was woven on a backstrap loom, using patterns that had been passed down for generations.

Usage: The noun is countable and usually refers to the traditional textile style when used in a fashion context.

### 2. waterproof rain gear

noun · CEFR B2

a waterproof cover, often with a hood, that you wear over your clothes to stay dry in the rain.

For teachers: a modern waterproof garment, often made of plastic or rubber, designed to protect the wearer and their equipment from rain.

- We put on our plastic ponchos when the rain started during the outdoor concert.
- Hikers often prefer a lightweight rain poncho because it can easily fit over a large backpack, providing better coverage than a standard jacket.

Usage: Often used with 'rain' as a compound noun: 'rain poncho'.

Teaching tip: In modern contexts, this sense is very common for outdoor events and hiking.

## Examples

- He pulled his rain poncho over his head before the storm started.
- The hikers carried lightweight ponchos in their packs to stay dry during the sudden mountain downpour.
- While traditional raincoats offer more tailored protection, a simple poncho remains a practical choice for those seeking a quick, affordable solution to sudden tropical showers.

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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.