Definition

1. Noun:

   • An outer garment with sleeves: A piece of clothing worn on the upper body outdoors for warmth or fashion.
   • A covering layer: A thin layer of a substance covering a surface.
   • The natural covering of an animal: The growth of hair, fur, or wool on an animal's body.

2. Verb:

   • To cover with a layer: To apply or form a covering over a surface.
   • To provide with a coat: To put a coat on someone or something.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • She wore a warm coat because it was snowing.
  • The table needs a second coat of varnish.
  • The dog has a thick, shiny coat.

• Verb:

  • The wind coated the car with a fine layer of dust.
  • The pills are coated with sugar to make them easier to swallow.

Advanced Usage

• "A coat of arms": A heraldic design on a shield, used as an emblem by a family, institution, or state.

  • The university's coat of arms is displayed above the main gate.

• "To turn one's coat": To change one's principles or allegiance; to become a traitor.

  • The politician was accused of turning his coat after joining the rival party.

Variants and Related Words

• Overcoat (n): A long, thick coat worn over ordinary clothes in cold weather.
• Raincoat (n): A waterproof coat.
• Coating (n): A thin layer or covering spread over a surface.
  • The non-stick pan has a Teflon coating.

Synonyms

• Noun (garment): Overcoat, jacket, anorak.
• Noun (layer): Layer, covering, film.
• Verb: Cover, spread, overlay.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Coat over: To cover something completely with a substance.
  • The ice coated over the windshield overnight.

Related Idioms

• To cut one's coat according to one's cloth: To live within one's means; to adapt one's ambitions to one's resources.

  • We can't afford a big house, so we must cut our coat according to our cloth.

• To trail one's coat: To deliberately provoke a quarrel or fight.

  • By criticizing their traditions, he was clearly trailing his coat.

Noun

1. growth of hair or wool or fur covering the body of an animal
2. a thin layer covering something
   • a second coat of paint
3. an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors

Verb

1. form a coat over
   • Dirt had coated her face
2. cover or provide with a coat
3. put a coat on; cover the surface of; furnish with a surface
   • coat the cake with chocolate