coach

1 of 2

noun

often attributive
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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
The military veteran and former high school teacher and assistant football coach started his day in Michigan in Detroit and spoke for about 20 minutes in Flint before heading to a final Friday event in Traverse City. Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 2 Nov. 2024 Although initially ruled an incomplete pass, a challenge from Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich led to a review and the officials overturned the decision to rule it a successful catch and touchdown. Ben Morse, CNN, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
Last year, Steve Kerr and the Warriors coaching staff were the worst in the league at challenging calls. Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 1 Nov. 2024 The former North Carolina State quarterback and pitcher coached him as early as 9 years old when McConkey, despite his small stature, was untouchable against even older opponents. Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near coach

Cite this Entry

“Coach.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coach. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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