trench coat

American  

noun

1. a waterproof overcoat styled along military lines, belted, with straps on the shoulders and lower sleeves.

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trench coat British  

noun

1. a belted double-breasted waterproof coat of gabardine, etc, resembling a military officer's coat

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Etymology

Origin of trench coat

First recorded in 1915–20

Compare meaning

How does trench-coat compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• trench coat vs. overcoat

Example Sentences

To my chagrin but not my surprise, no one else in the theater came with their tail tucked between their legs, covered by a trench coat.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

If he goes full trench coat, like Neo in The Matrix, consider taking profits.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

Clad in a black leather trench coat, the 42-year-old dictator twirled a cigarette as he reviewed lines of factory employees.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

After all, some things never go out of style—like the perfect trench coat or a crisp white T-shirt.

From Slate • Jan. 26, 2026

A woman in a suit with shoulder pads like a linebacker’s, a young man in a line cook’s apron, and a man in a fedora and long trench coat were racing toward him.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

Related Words

• overcoat
• slicker