raincoat
HighNeutral, everyday
Definition
Meaning
A waterproof coat worn for protection from rain.
Any protective outer garment or coating designed to repel water, or figuratively, something that provides protection from undesirable influences or information.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primary meaning is a garment. The compound structure is transparent: 'rain' + 'coat'. The word is more specific than generic 'coat' and less formal than 'mackintosh'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'mackintosh' or 'mac' is a common, slightly more old-fashioned synonym. In American English, 'raincoat' is overwhelmingly dominant; 'mackintosh' is understood but rare.
Connotations
No significant difference in connotation. Both are functional, practical items.
Frequency
'Raincoat' is high frequency in both varieties, but is the default term in AmE. BrE has a slightly higher use of 'mac' as a casual alternative.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] wears a raincoat.[Subject] put on/took off [Possessive] raincoat.It's raining; you'll need your raincoat.A raincoat of (material e.g., nylon).Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Come in out of the rain (used literally, not an idiom with 'raincoat').”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in contexts like retail (outdoor clothing).
Academic
Rare, except in descriptive passages.
Everyday
Very common, especially in weather-related conversation.
Technical
Used in textile/outdoor gear industry specifying materials and features.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a red raincoat.
- It's raining. Wear your raincoat.
- She put on her raincoat before going outside.
- I always keep a folded raincoat in my bag during the spring.
- His new raincoat has a detachable hood.
- Don't forget to hang your wet raincoat up to dry.
- Despite the forecast, he ventured out without a raincoat and was promptly soaked.
- The classic trench coat design originated as a military raincoat.
- She invested in a high-tech, breathable raincoat for hiking.
- The journalist's impartiality served as a raincoat against the storm of criticism from both sides.
- Modern raincoats utilise advanced membranes like Gore-Tex to be both waterproof and breathable.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the two parts: It's a COAT for when it RAINS. Simple compound word.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS A COVERING / A SHIELD (e.g., 'a raincoat of silence', 'a legal raincoat').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as 'дождевик' if referring to a cheap, thin disposable plastic cape; 'raincoat' implies a more substantial garment. 'Плащ' is the closer equivalent.
- Avoid using 'coat for rain' as a direct calque; use the single word 'raincoat'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as two words: 'rain coat' (should be one word or hyphenated: rain-coat is less common).
- Using 'raincoat' to refer to any jacket worn in cool weather.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically a synonym for 'raincoat' in general everyday use?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is one word: 'raincoat'. The hyphenated form 'rain-coat' is outdated.
They are often used interchangeably. However, 'raincoat' can sound slightly more formal or old-fashioned, while 'waterproof jacket' is a more modern, descriptive term common in outdoor gear contexts. A 'raincoat' is almost always a longer, coat-style garment.
A 'mackintosh' (often shortened to 'mac') is a type of raincoat, originally made from rubberised fabric. It is a brand name that became generic, more commonly used in British English.
No, 'raincoat' is only a noun. You cannot 'raincoat' something.
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