coach

noun, often attributive

\ ˈkōch

Definition of coach

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : 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

d : trailer sense 1b

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

coach

verb

coached; coaching; coaches

Definition of coach (Entry 2 of 2)

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

Other Words from coach Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about coach

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Synonyms for coach

Synonyms: Noun

trainer

Synonyms: Verb

counsel, guide, lead, mentor, pilot, shepherd, show, tutor

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: Noun

Even in coach, Swiss delights with multi-course meals, fine Swiss wines and cheeses, and niceties like amenity kits and adjustable headrests. — Condé Nast Traveler, "The Best International Airlines: 2018 Readers' Choice Awards," 9 Oct. 2018 The boys and their coach, Ekapol Chantawong, walked into the cave June 23 after soccer practice for what was supposed to be a few hours of exploration. — John Bacon, ajc, "WATCH: Video shows rescued Thai soccer players flashing victory sign from hospital beds," 12 July 2018 Washington, who took over the defense in January after Steve Wilks became Arizona’s head coach, oversaw a front four last season that included a pair of players with double-digit sacks in Julius Peppers and Mario Addison. — Joseph Person, charlotteobserver, "Is a Panthers defensive line with 3 Pro Bowlers and Julius Peppers underappreciated?," 12 July 2018 Eiseman, a holistic health coach, posted on Facebook after the rescue, noting that another woman with her was alive, too. — Washington Post, "Alaska plane survivor: ‘For those wondering I’m alive’," 12 July 2018 Actor Richard Costas, who is deaf, and dialogue coach Sammi Grant, who is visually impaired, both write about accessibility within Chicago and how the theater community can be improved for people with disabilities. — Katie Powers, Chicago Reader, "Arts / Media / Theater Profiles abuse scandal inspires new magazine examining Chicago theater," 12 July 2018 The trip includes a round trip deluxe motor coach, $20 in gaming vouchers, $15 in food vouchers and driver's gratuity. — Courant Community, "Community News For The Enfield Edition," 10 July 2018 In the front row, their coach and mentor, Katie Wisnosky, holds back tears. — Elissa Sanci, Woman's Day, "How the Breaking Ground Poets Community Program Helps Young People Find a Voice," 9 Jan. 2019 Fitzgerald added Larkin will remain on the Wildcats’ coaching staff as a student assistant coach. — Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, "College football running back forced to retire over neck condition," 25 Sep. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The style of coaching I’ve done for 33 years is very intense, very demanding. — Mitch Stacy, The Seattle Times, "Ohio State coach Urban Meyer to retire after Rose Bowl," 5 Dec. 2018 And quite frankly, coaching them on what to say, these are people that literally do not have a stake in this. — Fox News, "Reps. Meadows, Jordan call on Rosenstein to testify," 27 Sep. 2018 There’s trust there having coached him so long and knowing what Jose’s going to bring. — Vince Ellis, Detroit Free Press, "Dwane Casey puts stamp on Detroit Pistons 2018 free-agent class," 10 July 2018 But given that there wasn’t anyone around at the time who could train her for her goal of competing in the Olympics, Amna decided to coach herself. — Craig Hlavaty, Houston Chronicle, "Throwing your skin into the wind: Houston tattoo shop plays with fate and a tattoo dartboard," 3 July 2018 Leitner coached himself to embrace the bigger picture. — Bryce Miller, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Ted Leitner's return to the booth soothes concerned Padres fans," 20 June 2018 Jones has had a great support system growing up, starting with his parents, who have both coached him and encouraged him. — Richard Obert, azcentral, "Desert Edge's Tyson Jones named azcentral Sports Awards Boys Athlete of the Year," 10 June 2018 Fitzgerald added Larkin will remain on the Wildcats’ coaching staff as a student assistant coach. — Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, "College football running back forced to retire over neck condition," 25 Sep. 2018 Yet Kelly was one of the most sought-after college football coaching candidates this offseason, with Florida among the other programs reportedly considering Kelly. — Matt Murschel, OrlandoSentinel.com, "New coach Chip Kelly’s UCLA Bruins are No. 45 in 2018 preseason college football rankings," 13 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'coach.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.