coat of arms

American  

[koht uhv ahrmz] / ˈkoʊt əv ˈɑrmz /

noun

1. the main part of an identifying design in heraldry that is usually depicted on a drawing of a shield.

   The Prince of Wales' coat of arms is a dragon.

2. an identifying design in heraldry that is used by a person or by family groups and that usually includes a drawing of a shield bearing other important identifying designs, and any mottos, banners, crests, etc., that surround that drawing.

   Her family was given a coat of arms when she married into the royal family.

3. a surcoat or tabard embroidered with an identifying design used in heraldry, worn by medieval knights over their armor.

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coat of arms British  

noun

1. the heraldic bearings of a person, family, or corporation

2. a surcoat decorated with family or personal bearings

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Etymology

Origin of coat of arms

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English; parallel to French cotte d'armes

Example Sentences

Their impeccable hearing and quick thinking were rewarded by the Austrian emperor, who bestowed the pretzel bakers with their own coat of arms featuring two lions holding a massive pretzel.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026

The King's coat of arms features the rounded Tudor crown he chose as his royal cypher upon taking the throne in 2022.

From BBC • Oct. 10, 2025

The lake can be seen through a new manorial gate topped with a coat of arms designed for Schwarzman after his knighthood.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 2, 2025

A more realistic updated coat of arms would feature the logo of Novo Nordisk.

From Slate • Jan. 7, 2025

A third grader drew a coat of arms for her with two dead rats beneath her feet.

From "The Wednesday Wars" by Gary D. Schmidt