coping

American  

[koh-ping] / ˈkoʊ pɪŋ /

noun

1. a finishing or protective course or cap to an exterior masonry wall or the like.

2. a piece of woodwork having its end shaped to fit together with a molding.

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coping British  

/ ˈkəʊpɪŋ /

noun

1. Also called: cope.  the sloping top course of a wall, usually made of masonry or brick

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Etymology

Origin of coping

First recorded in 1595–1605; cope ² + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

"I think this is a pretty common coping mechanism for a lot of people" to return to shows they enjoyed in their youth, Kaur said.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

The readings matter more than usual as they will show how businesses are coping with higher input costs driven by the conflict in the Middle East.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

"Learning that you've had flooding, I realised that no one is immune from climate shocks - only that maybe you have different coping strategies as we are just limited on that," she said.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Even with a brand new location, Target is coping with some of the same old issues.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

She was coping with medical appointments and surgeries and at the same time trying to care for her mother, who was also fighting an aggressive cancer that was, the doctors insisted, completely unrelated to Suzanne’s.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Related Words

• bed
• blanket
• coat
• floor
• row
• sheet
• slab
• thickness