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 poncho and the sombrero is something that an authentic indigenous Mexican man or woman is proud of. —Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025

Pride parade and concert attendees Saturday should consider taking an umbrella and a poncho with them just in case, suggested NWS meteorologist Cody Moore, who spoke to IndyStar earlier this week. —John Tufts, IndyStar, 2 July 2025

Pack a poncho or raincoat and bring layers to prepare for unpredictable Texas weather. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

The doll slips around the side of the building, her poncho scratching across the wall as perspiration spreads under the mask. —Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 30 June 2025

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