Definition

1. Noun:
   • A device for hanging garments: A "coat hanger" is a shaped object, typically made of wire, wood, or plastic, designed to support the shape of clothing, such as coats, shirts, or dresses, while they are hung in a closet or on a rack. The classic shape resembles a person's shoulders.

Usage

• Noun:
  • Please hang your jacket on the coat hanger in the closet.
  • The hotel provides wooden coat hangers in every wardrobe.

Advanced Usage

• "Wire coat hanger": Specifies the common type made of bent wire.
  • The dry cleaner returned my shirts on wire coat hangers.
• "Padded coat hanger": Refers to a hanger with a soft covering to protect delicate fabrics.
  • Her silk blouses are always stored on padded coat hangers.

Variants and Related Words

• Hanger (noun): A more general term for any device from which things are hung. "Coat hanger" is a specific type of hanger.
  • All the hangers in the store were empty.
• Clothes hanger (noun): A synonym for "coat hanger."
  • I need to buy more clothes hangers.

Synonyms

• Clothes hanger: An exact synonym.
• Garment hanger: A more formal synonym.

Related Phrases

• Coat-hanger abortion (noun): IMPORTANT CONTEXT NOTE: This is a highly specific, historical, and dangerous medical term referring to an illegal and unsafe abortion method. It is listed here solely as a critical warning due to its inclusion of the term "coat hanger." It is not a standard or safe usage of "coat hanger" and should be understood only in its specific, grave historical context.
  • The law aims to prevent the tragic necessity of coat-hanger abortions.

Idioms

Noun

1. a hanger that is shaped like a person's shoulders and used to hang garments on