overcoat
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈəʊvəkˌəʊt/
US
- /ˈoʊvərˌkoʊt/
Description
- Long warm coat
- Winter outer layer
- Worn over clothes
- Often formal
An overcoat is a long, warm coat worn on top of your other clothes, especially in cold weather. Think of it as the layer you put on when a regular jacket is not enough. It helps protect you from wind, rain, and snow, and it is often a little more formal than an everyday jacket.
In the past, people often wore overcoats over suits or other smart clothes when going out in winter. Today, they are still practical, but they also have a classic, stylish feel. You might picture someone heading to work on a cold morning or arriving at a winter event in a wool overcoat. The word usually suggests a coat that is fairly long, warm, and a bit dressy.
An overcoat is a long outer coat made to keep you warm and protect you from cold weather. Unlike a short jacket, it usually covers much more of the body, often reaching around the knees. That extra length helps block wind, rain, and sometimes snow, which is why it is closely linked with winter and chilly days.
Traditionally, an overcoat was often worn over a suit, uniform, or other neat clothing when a person needed an extra warm layer outside. Because of that, the word still has a slightly formal feeling. It can be worn by anyone, and modern versions come in many cuts and materials, but the basic idea stays the same: it is a smart-looking coat that goes over the rest of your outfit.
Many overcoats are made of wool or similar thick fabric, though some use other materials. Some are plain and simple, while others are more stylish and tailored. People often choose them not only for warmth but also for the clean, polished look they add to an outfit.
Today, an overcoat is both useful and stylish. You might see someone wearing one on the way to work, to a formal event, or simply on a cold walk through the city. When people talk about an overcoat, they usually mean a longer, warmer, more polished coat that is worn over everyday clothes to stay comfortable and well dressed.
Examples
- 1
Cold weather
He buttoned his overcoat before stepping into the cold street.
- 2
Coming indoors
She took off her overcoat and hung it on the rack by the door.
- 3
Old photo
In the old photo, my grandfather is wearing a dark wool overcoat.
Usage
overcoat often sounds more formal or old-fashioned than coat
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- overcoatnounverb
Forms
- overcoatspluralnounverb
- overcoatedpast tenseverbnoun
- overcoating-ing formverbnoun