coined: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to neutral in linguistic contexts; informal to neutral in general creative contexts.
Quick answer
What does “coined” mean?
To invent or create a new word or phrase, often one that becomes widely used.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To invent or create a new word or phrase, often one that becomes widely used.
1. To create something new, especially an idea or concept. 2. To mint money from metal (literal sense).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling of past tense/past participle is identical.
Connotations
Slightly more academic/conceptual in British English; can be used more broadly for any new creation in American English.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “coined” in a Sentence
[Subject] coined [Object (word/phrase)][Subject] coined [Object] for [Purpose/Context]The term [X] was coined by [Agent]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coined” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Shakespeare is said to have coined over 1700 words.
- The journalist coined the phrase 'Brexit'.
American English
- The tech blogger coined the term "phablet."
- They coined a new slogan for the campaign.
adverb
British English
- The phrase was newly coined last year.
American English
- The term was recently coined by a professor.
adjective
British English
- A newly-coined expression is catching on.
- It's a recently-coined technical term.
American English
- This freshly-coined word isn't in dictionaries yet.
- It's a cleverly-coined phrase.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for naming new products, services, or strategies. 'The marketing team coined the brand name.'
Academic
Frequent in linguistics, history of ideas, and cultural studies. 'The sociologist coined the term "intersectionality."'
Everyday
Describing the origin of a popular word or slogan. 'My uncle coined the nickname we all use for her.'
Technical
In numismatics (coin collecting), refers to the act of minting.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coined”
- Using 'coined' for physical creation of objects (use 'fabricated' or 'made').
- Confusing with 'coined money' (which is correct but literal).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its primary use is for words and phrases, it can be used metaphorically for new ideas, concepts, or names (e.g., 'coin a plan', 'coin a nickname').
'Coined' is specifically for linguistic creations (words/phrases) or naming. 'Invented' is broader, used for physical objects, systems, or methods. You invent the telephone but coin the word 'telephone'.
Yes, the base verb is 'coin'. E.g., 'Linguists constantly coin new terms.' The past tense and past participle are both 'coined'.
Literally, 'to coin' means to mint or make coins from metal. The linguistic meaning is a figurative extension of this: to mint a new word into the 'currency' of language.
To invent or create a new word or phrase, often one that becomes widely used.
Coined is usually formal to neutral in linguistic contexts; informal to neutral in general creative contexts. in register.
Coined: in British English it is pronounced /kɔɪnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /kɔɪnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To coin a phrase (often used ironically when stating a cliché).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COIN being newly minted at a mint. A 'coined' word is freshly 'minted' into the language.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A CURRENCY / IDEAS ARE OBJECTS TO BE MINTED.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'coined' correctly in its most common sense?