coast guard

noun

1

: a military or naval force employed in guarding a coast or responsible for the safety, order, and operation of maritime traffic in neighboring waters

2

usually coastguard

ˈkōs(t)-ˌgärd 

chiefly British : coastguardsman

Examples of coast guard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Migrants rescued by the Italian coast guard or found on shore are brought here, and spend only a few days before being sent on to facilities elsewhere in Italy. — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 6 July 2026

The incident took place at the port of Corfu, a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, according to a July 1 news release from the Greek coast guard. — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 2 July 2026

The South Korean coast guard detained him for allegedly violating the country’s immigration law. — ABC News, 29 June 2026

To grant coast guards immediate law enforcement authority within exclusive economic zones, Denmark, Australia, and New Zealand have adopted cable safety zone legislation. — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for coast guard

• asgard
• backyard
• barnyard
• blackguard
• bombard
• brickyard
• canard
• churchyard
• coastguard
• courtyard
• debarred
• diehard

Kids Definition

coast guard

noun

1

: a seagoing force for protecting a coast and people and property at sea

2

usually coastguard chiefly British : coastguardsman