coach

1 of 2

noun

often attributive
Synonyms of coachnext
1
a
: a large usually closed four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage having doors in the sides and an elevated seat in front for the driver
On special occasions the queen rides in a gold coach.
b
: a railroad passenger car intended primarily for day travel
Smoking is not permitted in the train's coaches.
c
: bus sense 1a
toured the city by coach
e
: a 2-door enclosed automobile
f
: a class of passenger air transportation at a lower fare than first class
We reserved two seats in coach.
2
[from the concept that the tutor conveys the student through examinations]
a
: a private tutor
hired a coach to help her daughter prepare for the test
b
: one who instructs or trains
an acting coach
a birth coach
especially : one who instructs players in the fundamentals of a sport and directs team strategy
a football coach
a pitching coach
a gymnastics coach

Illustration of coach

Illustration of coach
  • coach 1a

coach

2 of 2

verb

coached; coaching; coaches

intransitive verb

1
: to go in a coach
2
: to instruct, direct, or prompt as a coach
When an injury ended his playing career, he decided to coach.

transitive verb

1
: to train intensively (as by instruction and demonstration)
coach pupils
The lawyer coached the witness.
2
: to act as coach of
coach tennis
coach a team
coachable adjective
coacher noun

Examples of coach in a Sentence

Noun a track star who has been working with a new coach In those days, people usually traveled long distances in coaches. Verb He coaches the tennis star. He has coached the team for several years. She coached the U.S. gymnastics team at the Olympics. He has coached at the college level for many years. The lawyer admitted to coaching the witness. It was clear that the witness had been coached by her lawyer on how to answer the questions.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Meanwhile in Pittsburgh, the Steelers are amid a search for a new head coach for the first time in nearly two decades after Mike Tomlin stepped down last week. Mike Darnay, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026 Los Alamitos coach Maya De Anda made the 3-point shot a priority on nearly every possession and that strategy proved successful, as the Griffins hit nine 3-pointers by halftime and finished with 13 in the game. Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 23 Jan. 2026
Verb
Steele coached Xavier in its first round NIT victory over Cleveland State, but within hours of that outcome, the Musketeers decided to part ways with Steele, who never led the school to the NCAA tournament. Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026 In what was arguably Carroll’s best win in a decade, Munn took over head coaching duties for Riley Dodge, who was out due to COVID-19 protocols in a state semifinal clash with Duncanville in 2020; the Dragons seized a 34-27 win. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for coach

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English coche, from Middle French, from German Kutsche, from Hungarian kocsi (szekér), literally, wagon from Kocs, Hungary

First Known Use

Noun

1556, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1608, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of coach was in 1556

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Coach.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coach. Accessed 26 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

coach

1 of 2 noun
1
a
: a large usually closed four-wheeled carriage that has a raised seat in front for the driver and is drawn by horses
b
: a railroad passenger car without berths
d
: a class of passenger air transportation at a lower fare than first class
2
a
: a private tutor
b
: a person who instructs or trains a performer or team
a football coach

coach

2 of 2 verb
: to act as a coach

More from Merriam-Webster on coach

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