poncho

noun pon·cho \ ˈpän-(ˌ)chō \

Updated on: 20 Apr 2018

Definition of poncho

plural ponchos

1 : a blanket with a slit in the middle so that it can be slipped over the head and worn as a sleeveless garment

2 : a waterproof garment resembling a poncho and having an integral hood

See poncho defined for English-language learners

See poncho defined for kids

Recent Examples of poncho from the Web

If rain is in the forecast, bring a poncho or umbrella.

— katie gustafson for kentucky derby festival, The Courier-Journal, "Everything you need to know to enjoy this year’s Republic Bank Pegasus Parade," 4 Apr. 2018
This stylish and warm coat This poncho-style coat is perfect for chilly spring evenings.

— samantha gordon, USA TODAY, "Nordstrom Rack is having a huge sale right now," 28 Mar. 2018
These ghostly soldiers in their windblown ponchos seem intensely real.

— bart barnes, Washington Post, "Frank Gaylord, who sculpted Korean War Veterans Memorial, dies at 93," 29 Mar. 2018
And just for that highly specialized occasion, Andrew has created a leather poncho, a flat pair of Ostrich boots with the signature Ferragamo buckle and a big soft calf bag.

— Washington Post, "Armani rejects overdone emotion, Ferragamo favors color," 24 Feb. 2018
Shaq dressed as a life-sized, 7-foot-tall eagle thanks to a poncho covered in feathers, lots and lots of feathers, Yahoo Sports reported.

— natalie dreier, ajc, "Shaq makes good on Super Bowl bet and it includes feathers," 8 Feb. 2018
Tanaka was in a black tee, moto jacket and gray jeans, while Carey matched in a cozy oversize gray poncho with black tights.

— colleen kratofil, PEOPLE.com, "Mariah Carey's Date Night Outfits Involve Ponchos and Color-Coordinating with Her Boyfriend," 18 Jan. 2018
To continue reading this story, TRY IT NOW Wearing a brightly colored poncho with an animal print, 11-year-old Christian Altamirano fit right in at the nature exhibit at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.

— vincent t. davis, San Antonio Express-News, "Butterfly Encounter at San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo thrills visitors of all ages," 20 Feb. 2018
This picture of a haunted-looking young American GI taking refuge under a poncho from monsoon rains in the jungles outside of Da Nang while on patrol in 1972 is one of them.

— TIME.com, "The vietnam war Pictures That Moved Them Most," 14 Sep. 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of poncho

American Spanish, from Mapuche

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1717

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PONCHO Defined for English Language Learners

poncho

noun

Definition of poncho for English Language Learners

: a piece of clothing that is used as a coat and that is made of a single piece of cloth or plastic with a hole in the middle for a person's head to go through

PONCHO Defined for Kids

poncho

noun pon·cho \ ˈpän-chō \

Definition of poncho for Students

plural ponchos

: a garment that is like a blanket with a hole in the middle for the head

Learn More about poncho

Spanish Central: Translation of poncho Nglish: Translation of poncho for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about poncho

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poncho

Definition of poncho

Recent Examples of poncho from the Web

Origin and Etymology of poncho

PONCHO Defined for English Language Learners

poncho

Definition of poncho for English Language Learners

PONCHO Defined for Kids

poncho

Definition of poncho for Students

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