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Synonyms

raincoat

American  
[reyn-koht] / ˈreɪnˌkoʊt /

noun

  1. a waterproof or water-repellent coat worn as protection against rain.


raincoat British  
/ ˈreɪnˌkəʊt /

noun

  1. a coat made of a waterproof material

"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

Etymology

Origin of raincoat

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30; rain + coat

Explanation

The waterproof jacket you throw on before heading out on a drizzly gray day is a raincoat. If you're traveling to India during monsoon season, be sure to pack your raincoat! Simply put, a raincoat is a coat that protects you from getting drenched in the rain. You might also call it a "slicker" or a "rain jacket." Some raincoats are truly waterproof, while others are merely water resistant — these will keep you dry for a while but are less useful if you're walking miles in a downpour. The original "modern" raincoat was invented in 1824 by a Scottish chemist who layered fabric and rubber to create a new waterproof material.

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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.

Davidsen starts this “Salome” in a back room of the brutalist set where Herod’s orgy is taking place, wearing a white raincoat, her black hair stringy in a Goth look.

From Seattle Times • May 13, 2024

There may be just a chance of some light rain or drizzle for fans as they leave the ground - so you might want to take your raincoat!

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2024

Gaunt men and “children, big-eyed and thin,” walked up and clutched the rabbi’s raincoat.

From Slate • Jan. 28, 2024

Nyswaner, who was dressed in all black save for a tan raincoat, claims to dislike love stories.

From New York Times • Oct. 23, 2023

Sammy was wearing a new Gant shirt, an alligator belt, Weejuns, a London Fog raincoat, cuffless pants, and Gold Cup socks.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

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