coattail

noun

coat·​tail ˈkōt-ˌtāl 

1

: the rear flap of a suit jacket

2

coattails plural : the skirts of a dress coat, cutaway, or frock coat

3

coattails plural : the influence or pulling power of a popular movement or person (such as a political candidate)

congressmen riding into office on the president's coattails

Examples of coattail in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Though Wisconsin is currently held by a Democratic governor, Republicans are hoping to take back the seat this November, riding the coattails of Trump flipping the state in 2024 and eyeing the possible opportunity to take on socialist Hong. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2026

Advertisement In Molt’s view, Crutchfield rode his coattails. — Rory Doherty, Time, 6 Aug. 2026

The Protostar says Takeshita was never truly his friend and was always riding his coattails. — Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026

But clearly the series is riding on the coattails of the drama. — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for coattail

• airmail
• assail
• avail
• bewail
• blackmail
• cattail
• cocktail
• curtail
• derail
• detail
• dovetail
• email

Kids Definition

coattail

noun

coat·​tail ˈkōt-ˌtāl 

1

: the rear flap of a man's coat

2

plural : the influence of a popular movement or person

politicians riding into office on the president's coattails