greatcoat: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Historical
Quick answer
What does “greatcoat” mean?
A long, heavy overcoat, typically worn as protection against cold weather.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A long, heavy overcoat, typically worn as protection against cold weather.
Historically, a coat worn by soldiers and military personnel, often featuring a cape or additional layers for warmth and protection. Can evoke imagery of 19th-century and early 20th-century military or naval attire.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is understood in both varieties but is more commonly encountered in British historical and literary contexts. The item itself is associated with British military history (e.g., Napoleonic Wars, World War I).
Connotations
In British English, it carries stronger historical and military connotations. In American English, it may simply be understood as an archaic or very formal type of heavy coat.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in modern American spoken English. Slightly higher, though still low, in British English due to historical references.
Grammar
How to Use “greatcoat” in a Sentence
[Person/Subject] + wore/buttoned/donned + [a/their] + greatcoatThe + adjective (military, heavy) + greatcoat + verbVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, military history, or fashion history texts describing period attire.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used in descriptive writing or when referring to historical reenactment clothing.
Technical
Used in costume design, historical reproduction, and military antiques collecting.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “greatcoat”
- Spelling as two words: 'great coat'.
- Using it to refer to any large or impressive coat, losing the historical/military specificity.
- Pronouncing 'great' as in 'great job' with excessive stress; the stress is on the first syllable of the compound: GREAT-coat.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A greatcoat is a specific type of long, heavy overcoat with historical and often military associations. Modern winter coats (parkas, puffers) are different in style, material, and connotation.
Historically, greatcoats were almost exclusively male attire. In modern descriptive use, it could be applied to a woman's coat if it closely matches the historical style, but it is not typical.
All greatcoats are overcoats, but not all overcoats are greatcoats. 'Greatcoat' specifies a heavier, longer, often military-style overcoat from a particular historical period.
No, it is a low-frequency word. You will most likely encounter it in historical novels, films, or academic texts rather than in daily conversation.
A long, heavy overcoat, typically worn as protection against cold weather.
Greatcoat is usually formal, historical in register.
Greatcoat: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡreɪt.kəʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡreɪt.koʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GREAT (large) COAT meant for a soldier in the great wars.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS A LAYER; HISTORY IS A GARMENT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'greatcoat' most accurately and frequently used?