colbert: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Historical, Formal, Fashion/Tailoring
Quick answer
What does “colbert” mean?
A men's tailored formal jacket with a V-shaped front, originally a type of frock coat.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A men's tailored formal jacket with a V-shaped front, originally a type of frock coat.
1) A specific style of 19th-century men's formal coat; 2) (Rare/Historical) Anything pertaining to or associated with Jean-Baptiste Colbert (French minister).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare and historical in both varieties. No significant dialectal difference in usage.
Connotations
Connotes historical dress, period costume, or formal, antiquated elegance.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both; might be slightly more encountered in British contexts discussing Regency/Victorian history.
Grammar
How to Use “colbert” in a Sentence
[VERB] + colbert (e.g., donned a colbert)[ADJ] + colbert (e.g., a velvet colbert)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “colbert” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The colbert style was popular during the Regency period.
American English
- He preferred the Colbert cut for his formal eveningwear.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, fashion history, or costume studies texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in tailoring, costume design, historical reenactment.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “colbert”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “colbert”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “colbert”
- Capitalizing incorrectly (it is often lower case for the garment).
- Using it to refer to any modern jacket.
- Confusing it with the surname Colbert (as in Stephen Colbert).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare, historical term used mainly in costume history and historical descriptions.
Only etymologically, as it shares a surname origin. The garment is not named after him; it predates him by centuries.
No, that would be incorrect. A 'colbert' refers specifically to a historical style of coat.
The terms can overlap, but 'colbert' often specifies a particular style or period variant of the frock coat.
A men's tailored formal jacket with a V-shaped front, originally a type of frock coat.
Colbert is usually historical, formal, fashion/tailoring in register.
Colbert: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒlbət/, and in American English it is pronounced /kɔːlˈbɛrt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None commonly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think COLBERT = COLonial or COurt formal BeRT (as in a fancy, old-fashioned name).
Conceptual Metaphor
HISTORICAL FORMALITY IS EMBODIED IN TAILORED GARMENTS.
Practice
Quiz
A 'colbert' is primarily a: