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tailcoat

American  
[teyl-koht] / ˈteɪlˌkoʊt /
Or tail coat

noun

  1. a fitted coat, typically worn by a man, cut away over the hips and descending in a pair of tapering skirts behind, usually black and worn as part of full evening dress.


Etymology

Origin of tailcoat

First recorded in 1840–50

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.

A tailcoat and trousers, writing desk, and Breitling watch were among the other auctioned items previously owned by Morecambe.

From BBC • Jan. 11, 2025

“They are not walking around in denim,” said his mother, Maie Folkerts, as she photographed her son in a tailcoat.

From New York Times • Jul. 6, 2023

But on Monday, it was Isaac’s filmmaker wife Elvira Lind who came in tails, and Isaac wore a trompe-l’œil white tie and tailcoat dress designed by Thom Browne.

From Seattle Times • May 8, 2022

At the time, members of the diplomatic corps — practically all men — were expected to own a cutaway tailcoat and striped trousers for formal receptions.

From Washington Post • Aug. 26, 2021

He was dressed in a tailcoat and top hat.

From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple