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overcoat

B2
verbnoun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ˈəʊvəkˌəʊt/

US

  • /ˈoʊvərˌkoʊt/

Description

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.

Examples

  1. 1

    Cold weather

    He buttoned his overcoat before stepping into the cold street.

  2. 2

    Coming indoors

    She took off her overcoat and hung it on the rack by the door.

  3. 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