coil
1[ koil ]
/ kɔɪl /
verb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
to form rings, spirals, etc.; gather or retract in a circular way: The snake coiled, ready to strike.
to move in or follow a winding course: The river coiled through the valley.
noun
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Origin of coil
1First recorded in 1605–15; perhaps variant of cull
OTHER WORDS FROM coil
coil·a·ble, adjectivecoil·a·bil·i·ty, nounun·coiled, adjectiveDefinition for coil (2 of 2)
coil2
[ koil ]
/ kɔɪl /
noun
a noisy disturbance; commotion; tumult.
trouble; bustle; ado.
Origin of coil
2First recorded in 1560–70; origin uncertain
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for coil
British Dictionary definitions for coil (1 of 2)
coil1
/ (kɔɪl) /
verb
to wind or gather (ropes, hair, etc) into loops or (of rope, hair, etc) to be formed in such loops
(intr) to move in a winding course
noun
Derived forms of coil
coiler, nounWord Origin for coil
C16: from Old French coillir to collect together; see cull
British Dictionary definitions for coil (2 of 2)
coil2
/ (kɔɪl) /
noun
the troubles and activities of the world (in the Shakespearean phrase this mortal coil)
Word Origin for coil
C16: of unknown origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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