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Synonyms

overcoat

American  
[oh-ver-koht, oh-ver-koht, oh-ver-koht] / ˈoʊ vərˌkoʊt, ˌoʊ vərˈkoʊt, ˈoʊ vərˌkoʊt /

noun

  • overcoats
    plural
  1. a coat worn over the ordinary indoor clothing, as in cold weather.

  2. Also called overcoating. an added coating, as of paint, applied for protection.


verb (used with object)

  1. to apply an additional coat of paint to (a surface).

overcoat British  
/ ˈəʊvəˌkəʊt /

noun

  1. a warm heavy coat worn over the outer clothes in cold weather

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms


Etymology

Origin of overcoat

First recorded in 1795–1805; over- + coat


Compare meaning

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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.

See Examples For:

“As I look forward to seeing the incredible ideas and leaders that will emerge from this institute,” Pelosi said, “I am thinking about the words embroidered in Abraham Lincoln’s overcoat — ‘One Country.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 29, 2026

They were an odd pair: The middle-aged man, wearing a wool overcoat and what looked like an ill-fitting gray toupee, barely spoke.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 31, 2026

He became a fixture on television news, wearing either military style tactical gear or a long, double-breasted green overcoat with wide lapels that critics said was meant to echo Nazi German military garb.

From Barron's ● Mar. 17, 2026

Suddenly, a tall, lithe woman in a long overcoat stood up and made her way to the stage.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 26, 2026

He hesitated and felt the collar of his overcoat.

From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers

One hot day two vanloads of men, having shucked their black overcoats, ask at the pro shop if they can rent carts to drive around the course.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 11, 2026

Designed for outdoor swimming fans, these large overcoats can hold a lot of extras and fit over a couple of jumpers.

From BBC ● Jan. 30, 2026

There was something for every body type, from short skirts, to form-hugging dresses and overcoats.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 25, 2024

Unquestioned leaders and servile followers tell us why the German army marched into Russia without overcoats — the leader had decreed that the campaign would be victorious by autumn, and that was that.

From Salon ● Feb. 4, 2024

I looked over Mama’s shoulder at Kiyo, on top of his fat mattress, buried under jeans and overcoats and sweaters.

From "Farewell to Manzanar" by Jeanne Houston

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