coed: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, somewhat dated in modern usage, more common in historical contexts or nostalgic references.
Quick answer
What does “coed” mean?
An educational institution, activity, or accommodation where both males and females are admitted.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An educational institution, activity, or accommodation where both males and females are admitted; can also refer to a female student at such an institution.
By extension, describes any environment, team, or group that is mixed-gender. Used informally, often as a noun, to refer to a young woman in a college or university setting.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'co-ed' (hyphenated) is understood but less common; 'mixed' or 'coeducational' are preferred for the adjective. The noun use for a female student is very rare in British English.
Connotations
In American English, nostalgic or informal; can carry mid-20th-century connotations. In British English, it may sound like an Americanism.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English, particularly in historical/campus contexts. Low frequency in modern British English.
Grammar
How to Use “coed” in a Sentence
ADJ + NOUN (coed dorm)BE + coed (The school went coed in 1972.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coed” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The university's new policy meant the historic men's college would soon be full of coeds.
- He met his wife when she was a coed at Cambridge.
American English
- My grandmother was a coed at the University of Michigan in the 1950s.
- The frat party was swarming with coeds from the nearby dorm.
adjective
British English
- The school became co-ed in the 1990s.
- They offer coed swimming lessons for children.
American English
- She lived in a coed dorm her freshman year.
- The college athletic department introduced several new coed intramural leagues.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in context of corporate training or retreat facilities.
Academic
Used in historical/sociological discussions of education.
Everyday
Informal, often by older speakers recalling their college years.
Technical
Not typical; 'coeducational' is the formal term in pedagogy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coed”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coed”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coed”
- Using 'coed' as a formal adjective in British academic writing (use 'coeducational').
- Using the noun 'coed' to refer to a male student.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be perceived as dated or reductive when used as a noun to label a woman solely by her student status in a mixed-gender school. The adjective is generally neutral.
'Coeducational' is the formal, standard adjective. 'Coed' is its informal, chiefly North American shortening and can also function as a noun.
No, the noun form specifically refers to a female student at a coeducational institution.
Its usage has declined, especially the noun form. The concept is now often expressed with terms like 'mixed-gender' or simply 'mixed'. It carries a mid-20th-century feel.
An educational institution, activity, or accommodation where both males and females are admitted.
Coed is usually informal, somewhat dated in modern usage, more common in historical contexts or nostalgic references. in register.
Coed: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkəʊˌɛd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkoʊˌɛd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “go coed”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CO-' (together) + 'ED' (from education) = education together (males and females).
Conceptual Metaphor
EDUCATIONAL SPACE AS A CONTAINER FOR BOTH GENDERS.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the noun 'coed' MOST likely to be used appropriately?