Search Dictionary
Definition of turncoat

turncoat

/ˈtɜːrnˌkoʊt/
turn · coat
Plural:turncoats
JUMP TO:

turncoat Lexical Profile

turncoat Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who deserts one party, faction, or cause in order to join an opposing one; a traitor or defector.

Example

"His former colleagues branded him a turncoat when he left the party to join the political opposition."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for turncoat
Antonyms
View all antonyms for turncoat

• Nearby Words

turnable
turnabout
turnaround
turncoat
turndown
turner
turning

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-16th century from the literal practice of turning one's coat inside out to conceal the colored badge or livery of a faction when defecting to the opposing side.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Turncoat. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/turncoat
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.