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Definition of greatcoat
greatcoat
/ˈɡreɪt.koʊt/
great · coat
Plural:greatcoats
greatcoat Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
9
Tier
2
Usage
Rare
greatcoat Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
A large, heavy overcoat, traditionally made of wool, designed for warmth and protection against severe weather, and historically associated with military issue gear.
Example
"The shivering soldier pulled the thick collar of his wool greatcoat tightly around his neck to block the freezing wind."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for greatcoatWord Nuance & Usage
While technically synonymous with 'overcoat', the term 'greatcoat' carries a distinctly historical or literary register, most often evoking 18th- to 20th-century military uniforms rather than modern civilian winter wear.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the mid-17th century as a straightforward compound of 'great' (referencing its substantial size and heavy fabric) and 'coat'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Greatcoat. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/greatcoat