coal
noun
a black or dark-brown combustible mineral substance consisting of carbonized vegetable matter, used as a fuel.
coals
-
pluralof coal.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
One told a boss about red hot coals and smoldering ash.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 23, 2026
Before, his customers were primarily pizzerias or grilled-meat restaurants, who cook over coals; now they are families.
From Barron's ● Feb. 11, 2026
Why do you rake yourself over the coals for every last cent you have spent, and second-guess every move?
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 10, 2025
They expect to be "drawn over the coals" and they've had enough.
From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2025
They watched it bubble slowly in the coals and he retrieved the tin with the pliers and they ate in silence.
From "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy
