greatcoat

IPA/ˈɡreɪtkəʊt/
IPA/ˈɡreɪtkəʊt/

greatcoat — noun

1. a thick outer coat for severe cold, often connected with soldiers or older winte

1.noun
Definition

a thick outer coat for severe cold, often connected with soldiers or older winter dress

Example

Christopher buttoned his greatcoat before the regiment marched into the snow.

military context: wear a greatcoat in severe cold

A damp greatcoat hung beside the stage costumes for the war scene.

Common collocations
  • thick greatcoat
  • military greatcoat
  • dark greatcoat
  • wear a greatcoat
  • button a greatcoat
Synonyms
  • overcoat

    the broader modern word for a coat worn over other clothes in cold weather

  • winter coat

    an everyday practical term that stresses warmth more than old style or military use

  • ulster

    an older style name for a loose heavy overcoat, often used in historical contexts

Grammar Patterns

wear a greatcoat

button a greatcoat

take off a greatcoat

Usage Note

Usually suggests an old-fashioned or military style of very heavy coat rather than an ordinary modern coat. It commonly appears in historical, uniform, or severe-winter contexts.

Common Mistakes

Nadia wore a greatcoat over her swimsuit at the beach.
Nadia wore a light jacket over her swimsuit at the beach.
a greatcoat is a thick outer coat for cold weather, not light holiday clothing.
Leo packed a short cotton greatcoat for warm spring days.
Leo packed a thick wool greatcoat for the freezing journey north.
a greatcoat usually suggests a heavy, substantial outer coat.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Greatcoat' names a very heavy outer coat, often associated with soldiers, uniforms, or historical winter dress. 'Overcoat' is the broader modern word for a coat worn over other clothes in cold weather. 'Winter coat' is everyday and practical, focusing on warmth rather than tradition or military style. 'Ulster' is an older style label for a loose heavy overcoat, especially in historical or costume settings. A commuter may wear an overcoat, but a soldier in a period drama is more likely to wear a greatcoat.

greatcoat ↗overcoat ↗winter coatulster ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • greatcoat button
  • greatcoat collar
  • greatcoat pocket

Phrases

  • wear a greatcoat
  • button a greatcoat
  • take off a greatcoat
  • pull a greatcoat tight

Prepositions

  • in a greatcoat

Etymology

English

Built in English from 'great' and 'coat'. The word originally referred to a large, heavy outer coat and later became especially associated with military winter clothing and older styles of dress.

First known use

1647

1647, in the meaning defined above