often attributive
1
a
: an outer garment worn on the upper body and varying in length and style according to fashion and use
b
: something resembling a coat
2
: the external growth on an animal
3
: a layer of one substance covering another
a coat of paint
coatless
adjective
coated; coating; coats
1
: to cover with a coat
2
: to cover or spread with a finishing, protecting, or enclosing layer
coater
noun
Synonyms
Examples of coat in a Sentence
Noun
She put on her coat, hat, and gloves, and then she went outside.
He was wearing a coat and tie.
The dog has a thick coat.
The house needed three coats to cover the original paint.
Verb
Rock dust coated his hair.
My shoes are coated with mud.
Coat the chicken with flour.
Recent Examples on the Web
Essence, 8 Apr. 2024
Another woman in red lipstick, clad in a seafoam coat keeps a brisk pace with her dog along 49th Street.
—John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 8 Apr. 2024
Add 1 1/2 tablespoons batter, and swirl to coat skillet.
—Julia Levy, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2024
Edwards, 38, complemented Cher in a black coat, white shirt and black pants.
—Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 7 Apr. 2024
In Hollywood, Rihanna also stepped out for dinner in an all-black ensemble—though, her subtle outfit included tons of vintage gems, like a Vivienne Westwood coat from the 1990s.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 7 Apr. 2024
The body and shell of McQueen’s SUV are finished in a lustrous coat of Citrus Green that’s broken up only by faux-wood striping running along the bottom of the vehicle and across the middle of its tailgate.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 6 Apr. 2024
For the Saturday morning photo call, Zendaya wowed in a coat printed with the house's iconic checkerboard pattern—specifically, an apple green version from the spring/summer 2013 collection.
—Valentine Servant-Ulgu, Glamour, 6 Apr. 2024
There, opposite the front door, had been what appeared to be the door to a coat closet — which meant that visitors were always opening it looking for a hanger only to find the house’s HVAC unit.
—Jane Margolies, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2024
Steve Bender, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2024
The frame is coated with Line-X, the same material used in truck bed liners.
—Sean Evans, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2024
Eclipses aren't known for shedding solar particles or moon dust that drifts down to coat us.
—The Arizona Republic, 7 Apr. 2024
Types of wallpaper Vinyl Coated Paper − this wallpaper has a paper substrate on which the decorative surface has been sprayed or coated with an acrylic type vinyl or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
—Randy Tucker, The Enquirer, 4 Apr. 2024
Vegan, sugar coated, no artificial flavors or colors, and simple ingredients make this gummy option a clear winner compared to other gummies on the market.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
What’s important to keep in mind is that this is technically a lash tint, designed to coat and define lashes rather than volumize and lengthen like your typical mascara.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2024
The thick milk is spiked with a bit of sriracha to serve as the base before coating with the crunchy panko topping.
—Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Mar. 2024
These cookie sheets are not coated and should be hand washed for best care.
—Molly Allen, Southern Living, 27 Mar. 2024
Noun
Or wear them with a pair of jeans with a light coat layered over your top.
—Essence, 8 Apr. 2024
Another woman in red lipstick, clad in a seafoam coat keeps a brisk pace with her dog along 49th Street.
—John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 8 Apr. 2024
Add 1 1/2 tablespoons batter, and swirl to coat skillet.
—Julia Levy, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2024
Edwards, 38, complemented Cher in a black coat, white shirt and black pants.
—Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 7 Apr. 2024
In Hollywood, Rihanna also stepped out for dinner in an all-black ensemble—though, her subtle outfit included tons of vintage gems, like a Vivienne Westwood coat from the 1990s.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 7 Apr. 2024
The body and shell of McQueen’s SUV are finished in a lustrous coat of Citrus Green that’s broken up only by faux-wood striping running along the bottom of the vehicle and across the middle of its tailgate.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 6 Apr. 2024
For the Saturday morning photo call, Zendaya wowed in a coat printed with the house's iconic checkerboard pattern—specifically, an apple green version from the spring/summer 2013 collection.
—Valentine Servant-Ulgu, Glamour, 6 Apr. 2024
There, opposite the front door, had been what appeared to be the door to a coat closet — which meant that visitors were always opening it looking for a hanger only to find the house’s HVAC unit.
—Jane Margolies, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2024
Verb
Considered an invasive plant in some regions, Sweet Alyssum will coat your landscape with beautiful, honey-smelling flowers.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2024
The frame is coated with Line-X, the same material used in truck bed liners.
—Sean Evans, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2024
Eclipses aren't known for shedding solar particles or moon dust that drifts down to coat us.
—The Arizona Republic, 7 Apr. 2024
Types of wallpaper Vinyl Coated Paper − this wallpaper has a paper substrate on which the decorative surface has been sprayed or coated with an acrylic type vinyl or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
—Randy Tucker, The Enquirer, 4 Apr. 2024
Vegan, sugar coated, no artificial flavors or colors, and simple ingredients make this gummy option a clear winner compared to other gummies on the market.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
What’s important to keep in mind is that this is technically a lash tint, designed to coat and define lashes rather than volumize and lengthen like your typical mascara.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2024
The thick milk is spiked with a bit of sriracha to serve as the base before coating with the crunchy panko topping.
—Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Mar. 2024
These cookie sheets are not coated and should be hand washed for best care.
—Molly Allen, Southern Living, 27 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'coat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English cote, from Anglo-French, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German kozza coarse wool mantle
First Known Use
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of coat was
in the 14th century
Phrases Containing coat
Dictionary Entries Near coat
Cite this Entry
“Coat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coat. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
Medical Definition
coat
noun1
: the external growth on an animal
2
: a layer of one substance covering or lining another
especially
: one covering or lining an organ
the coat of the eyeball
More from Merriam-Webster on coat
Nglish: Translation of coat for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of coat for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about coat
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share