coal sack: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Specialised (technical/astronomy), Historical (domestic), Informal (for dark place).
Quick answer
What does “coal sack” mean?
A large, strong bag for holding or transporting coal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, strong bag for holding or transporting coal.
A bag-like, dark nebula in astronomy, specifically the Coalsack Nebula near the Southern Cross; informally, a very dark place.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The literal item is equally historical in both varieties. The astronomical term is used in both, but is more prominent in the Southern Hemisphere.
Connotations
Historical/rustic (literal); scientific/celestial (astronomical).
Frequency
Very low frequency in general modern English. Slightly higher recognition in astronomy or historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “coal sack” in a Sentence
[Verb] + the coal sack: fill, carry, haul, emptyPreposition + coal sack: in a coal sack, like a coal sackVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coal sack” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The coal-sack darkness was absolute.
- A coal-sack black sweater.
American English
- The coal-sack blackness of the cave.
- A coat of coal-sack hue.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in astronomy to refer to the Coalsack Nebula.
Everyday
Historical reference; metaphorical for extreme darkness.
Technical
Astronomical term for a prominent dark nebula in the constellation Crux.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coal sack”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coal sack”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coal sack”
- Writing as one word 'coalsack' (often acceptable for astronomy) or 'coal-sack' (hyphenated variant). Confusing with 'coal scuttle' (a fixed container by the fireplace).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, its literal domestic use is historical. Its main modern use is as the proper noun 'Coalsack' in astronomy.
Yes, informally to describe a place of profound darkness, e.g., 'The room was black as a coal sack.'
A coal sack is a large bag for transport/storage. A coal scuttle (or hod) is a smaller, often metal, container kept by the fireplace for daily use.
/ˈkoʊl sæk/ in American English, /ˈkəʊl sæk/ in British English. Two distinct words, not blended.
A large, strong bag for holding or transporting coal.
Coal sack is usually specialised (technical/astronomy), historical (domestic), informal (for dark place). in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) black/dark as a coal sack”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of Santa's sack, but filled with black coal instead of presents. Or, the night sky has a 'sack' that looks like spilled coal.
Conceptual Metaphor
DARKNESS IS A SOLID OBJECT (a bag that holds/contains darkness).
Practice
Quiz
What is the 'Coalsack' primarily known as today?