1
: a heavy woolen blanket formerly distributed by the U.S. government to the Indians
2
a
: a heavy cloth of wool or wool and other fibers often with a plaid design and usually heavily napped and felted
b
: a short coat of mackinaw or similar heavy fabric
3

Examples of mackinaw in a Sentence

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.
But unlike brookies, mackinaws reach massive sizes. Jordan Rodriguez, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024 Detectives from the Twin Cities and the famed Pinkerton agency in Chicago found a button from a woodsman's mackinaw jacket in Aagot's cabin. Curt Brown Special To The Star Tribune, Star Tribune, 12 Dec. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Mackinaw (Mackinac), trading post at site of Mackinaw City, Michigan

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mackinaw was in 1836

Cite this Entry

“Mackinaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mackinaw. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

mackinaw

noun
: a short heavy woolen often plaid coat

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