poncho

noun

pon·​cho ˈpän-(ˌ)chō 

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

Examples of poncho in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The actress styled the pants with a long-sleeve top and a cozy gray poncho. —Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026

The team will also give away three kinds of hats — a waffle beanie, a western snapback and a home-and-away bucket hat — as well as an opening series scarf, a 1998 belt bag, a puffer vest, a patriotic aloha shirt, a poncho and a superhero pocket tee. —Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026

The poncho-style outer layer fell just past the hem of the slip. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 25 Jan. 2026

Nicola wore a white poncho top, blue jeans and sunglasses for the casual outing. —Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 23 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish, from Mapuche

First Known Use

1717, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for poncho

• broncho
• concho

Kids Definition

poncho

noun

pon·​cho ˈpän-chō 

plural ponchos

1

: a cloak like a blanket with a slit in the middle for the head

2

: a waterproof garment like a poncho