matinee coat: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowArchaic / Formal / Historical
Quick answer
What does “matinee coat” mean?
A baby's or toddler's short jacket, usually knitted or crocheted and fastened with ribbons or buttons at the front.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A baby's or toddler's short jacket, usually knitted or crocheted and fastened with ribbons or buttons at the front.
Historically, a dressy, often lacy or decorated jacket worn by infants and young children for special occasions or visits (a 'matinee' being an afternoon event).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is traditionally British, though also used in historical American contexts. It is now rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes old-fashioned or heirloom-style baby clothes, traditional craftsmanship, and formality.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in modern English. More likely encountered in historical novels, antique/vintage contexts, or discussions of heirloom knitting/crochet patterns.
Grammar
How to Use “matinee coat” in a Sentence
The matinee coat (belonged to/had been knitted for) the baby.She (wrapped/fastened) the baby in a matinee coat.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Might appear in historical, textile, or costume studies.
Everyday
Rare. Used by enthusiasts of vintage clothing, knitting, or heirloom baby items.
Technical
Used in antique clothing cataloguing or historical knitting pattern descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “matinee coat”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “matinee coat”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “matinee coat”
- Using it for any baby jacket (it's specific and archaic).
- Spelling 'matinee' incorrectly (e.g., 'matineé').
- Confusing it with a full-length coat.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specific, often ornate, short jacket for infants, associated with formal or special occasions, not a general outdoor coat.
It is understood but sounds archaic. Modern terms like 'baby cardigan' or 'baby jacket' are more common.
Because it was considered appropriate dress for a 'matinee'—a daytime social visit or reception.
It is recognised, primarily in historical or vintage contexts, but its traditional home is British English.
A baby's or toddler's short jacket, usually knitted or crocheted and fastened with ribbons or buttons at the front.
Matinee coat is usually archaic / formal / historical in register.
Matinee coat: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmætɪneɪ kəʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmæt̬əˈneɪ koʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(No specific idioms for this term)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'matinee' (afternoon) performance: the baby is dressed in its finest short 'coat' for the occasion.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPECIAL OCCASION IS A PERFORMANCE: The baby's formal jacket is for a social 'matinee'.
Practice
Quiz
A 'matinee coat' is most specifically associated with which of the following?