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

coat

2 of 2

verb

coated; coating; coats

transitive verb

1
: to cover with a coat
2
: to cover or spread with a finishing, protecting, or enclosing layer
coater noun

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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
On past outings, Rih has also stepped out in looks that paired fanciful fur coats with low-slung jeans and sneakers. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2025 In early February, Swift signaled the style could persevere until summer by pairing a short Charlotte Simone coat with a tank top and shorts that were more on par with New Orlean's outdoor temperatures at the time. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 16 Mar. 2025
Verb
Stir in drained pasta, basil, and lemon zest until coated, adding the remaining 1/4 cup cooking water (about 1 tablespoon at a time) to loosen sauce as needed. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 17 Mar. 2025 Cover with nonstick foil or foil coated in nonstick spray. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for coat

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Coat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coat. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

1
: an outer garment varying in length and style according to fashion and use
2
: the outer covering (as of fur) of an animal
3
: a layer of material covering a surface
a coat of paint

coat

2 of 2 verb
: to cover with a coat or covering

Medical Definition

1
: 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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