coatrack
Definition
Noun: A piece of furniture, typically a standing pole or a wall-mounted frame, fitted with hooks or pegs for the temporary hanging of coats, hats, and other outer garments.
Usage
A coatrack is used to store coats, hats, scarves, and bags in an entryway, hallway, office, or other space to keep them organized and off the floor or furniture. It provides a temporary holding place for outerwear.
Examples
- Noun:
- Please hang your wet raincoat on the coatrack by the door.
- The reception area had a sturdy wooden coatrack for visitors.
- He returned home and tossed his hat onto the coatrack.
Advanced Usage
- "to be a coatrack" (informal/metaphorical): To be used merely as a place to hang things, or to be burdened with many items.
- After the party, the chair became a makeshift coatrack, piled high with jackets.
Variants and Related Words
- Coat stand (n): A synonym, often implying a free-standing pole with hooks.
- Hall tree (n): A more elaborate piece of entryway furniture that may include a coatrack, a mirror, and a small seat.
- Hatrack (n): A very similar item, historically and sometimes interchangeably used with .
Synonyms
- Clothes rack: A more general term.
- Garment rack: Often used for temporary or movable storage of clothing.
- Coat stand: See above.
Antonyms
- Coat closet: A permanent, enclosed storage space for coats.
- Wardrobe: A large, enclosed cabinet for storing clothes.
Related Phrases
- Coatrack diplomacy (historical/idiomatic): A term sometimes used informally to describe the practice of informal negotiations where diplomats would converse while fetching their coats, implying unofficial discussions.
- The real agreement was reached through some old-fashioned coatrack diplomacy after the formal meeting.
Noun
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a rack with hooks for temporarily holding coats and hats
