poncho

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noun pon·cho \ ˈpän-(ˌ)chō \

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

Gabrielle's wearing: Leah Shlaer bikini ($125; leahshlaer.com.com) and Beach Bunny poncho ($110; beachbunnyswimwear.com).

— alison prato, Health.com, "Gabrielle Union on Finding Balance, Dealing With Social Media Haters, and How She’s "Building a Booty" at the Gym," 8 Aug. 2017
Junior 2nd in Division: Serenity Venture O'Reilly with Surfside 4-H for Reversible Poncho.

— sandiegouniontribune.com, "Junior Fair Home Ec Results," 8 Aug. 2017
Poncho, a 6-year-old African grey parrot, was used to spending his summer days lounging at North Avenue Beach.

— james steinbauer, chicagotribune.com, "Odds stacked against those trying to find lost pets," 5 July 2017
Asian styles were evoked in the multitudinous use of layers — a thick hybrid poncho in Cerulean blue with tassels, or an oversize coat covered in blurred text that looked like a decorative pattern.

— thomas adamson, The Seattle Times, "Dior designer celebrates decade at helm at Paris menswear," 24 June 2017
The sneaker itself is dropping alongside other ACG products—including a ripstop poncho, fleece shorts, and a bucket cap—on May 18 at NikeLab.

— christine flammia, Esquire, "A Closer Look at the Boldly Futuristic New Sneaker from NikeLab ACG," 10 May 2017
Rain ponchos and boots may have been the sensible picks for the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby, but fashion-forward attendees wouldn’t let a little rain stop them from parading their finest hats.

— bay area news group, The Mercury News, "Photos: Hats steal the show at Kentucky Derby," 6 May 2017
Tyler Lavoie, a 23-year-old soldier from nearby Fort Knox, draped a plastic poncho over his multicolored suit.

— Washington Post, "Soggy Kentucky Derby day doesn’t dampen party for some fans," 6 May 2017
Kyle Green kgreen@idahostatesman.com Tim Flaherty, left, hands a poncho to a homeless man near Cooper Court, the site of a former tent city for homeless people.

— katy moeller, idahostatesman, "Homeless Boise families lack an all-year day shelter. An ex-con seeks money to open one.," 25 Apr. 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

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First Known Use: 1717

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PONCHO Defined for English Language Learners

poncho

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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

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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

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Definition of poncho for English Language Learners

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