combat jacket: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal
Quick answer
What does “combat jacket” mean?
A short, durable military-style jacket, often with multiple pockets, originally designed for soldiers in combat.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short, durable military-style jacket, often with multiple pockets, originally designed for soldiers in combat.
A fashion item based on military outerwear, typically made from sturdy cotton like sateen or denim, featuring epaulettes, patch pockets, and a drawstring waist.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'combat jacket' is the common term. In the US, 'field jacket' or 'M-65 field jacket' is more frequently used for the military original, while 'combat jacket' is also understood.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of practicality, ruggedness, and military heritage. In fashion contexts, it may also signal a utilitarian or edgy style.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English. In US English, the specific military model names (e.g., 'M-65') are often used in technical or historical discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “combat jacket” in a Sentence
wear a combat jacketput on/take off a combat jacketa combat jacket made of...a combat jacket with (multiple pockets/epaulettes)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “combat jacket” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- He preferred the combat-jacket style for its practicality.
- The combat-jacket look was popular that season.
American English
- She owned a combat-jacket-inspired coat.
- The brand is known for its combat-jacket designs.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in retail/fashion describing product lines.
Academic
Used in history, cultural studies, or fashion theory discussing military influence on civilian dress.
Everyday
Common when discussing clothing, fashion, or outdoor gear.
Technical
Used in military history, textile, or vintage clothing collecting contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “combat jacket”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “combat jacket”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “combat jacket”
- Using 'combat jacket' to refer to any warm, padded jacket (e.g., a puffer jacket).
- Incorrectly writing it as a single word ('combatjacket').
- Using it as a verb (*'I combat-jacketed myself').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A bomber jacket (or flight jacket) is originally for pilots, often shorter, with a ribbed waist and cuffs, and made of leather or nylon. A combat jacket is for ground troops, longer, and made of heavy cotton.
No, 'combat jacket' is solely a compound noun. The related verb is 'to combat' (to fight against).
Traditional military-issue combat jackets are most commonly made from heavy-duty cotton sateen or poplin, often treated to be water-resistant.
It is called a 'combat' jacket because it was originally designed and issued as part of the combat uniform for soldiers in battlefield conditions, prioritizing durability and functionality.
A short, durable military-style jacket, often with multiple pockets, originally designed for soldiers in combat.
Combat jacket is usually neutral to informal in register.
Combat jacket: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒm.bæt ˌdʒæk.ɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːm.bæt ˌdʒæk.ɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms for this compound noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'COMBAT' – for fighting, and 'JACKET' – you wear it. A jacket you might wear in combat (or to look like you could).
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS ARMOR (a jacket provides protection and a tough identity).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'combat jacket' LEAST likely to be used?