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

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

From Barron's

The man in the trench coat is back on my sled and the buffalo is standing there.

From Literature

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

However, let me whip out my beige trench coat and magnifying glass as I tell you: My investigation did uncover some interesting questions about the origins of this salmon.

From Salon

But a Tuareg man in a black trench coat approached Sereno's team on a motorcycle, claiming to know where "big bones" lay.

From Barron's

Related Words

• overcoat
• slicker