plural coaches
1
a
: a person who teaches and trains an athlete or performer
a track/tennis star who has been working with a new coach
a vocal/voice/drama coach
b
: a person who teaches and trains the members of a sports team and makes decisions about how the team plays during games
a football/basketball/soccer coach
2
British
: a private teacher who gives someone lessons in a particular subject
3
: a large four-wheeled vehicle that is pulled by horses : carriage
In those days, people usually traveled long distances in coaches.
traveling by coach
4
chiefly British
: a large bus with comfortable seating that is used for long trips
The company hired two coaches for the trip.
We traveled by coach to London.
—often used before another nouna coach driver/tour/party
5
US
: the section of least expensive seats on an airplane or train
We reserved two seats in coach.
I usually fly coach, but on this trip I'm flying first-class.
—often used before another nouncoach fares/passengers/seats
6
British
: a separate section of a train
a passenger coach [=(US) car, (Brit) carriage]
coaches; coached; coaching
1
a
: to teach and train (an athlete or performer)
She coaches young actors/singers.
He coaches the tennis star.
He coaches in singing.
b
: to teach, train, and direct (a sports team)
He has coached the team for several years.
She coached the U.S. gymnastics team at the Olympics.
He coaches football and basketball. [=he coaches football and basketball teams]
He has coached at the college level for many years.
2
chiefly British
: to teach (a student) privately rather than in a class
3
: to give (someone) instructions on what to do or say in a particular situation
The lawyer admitted to coaching the witness.
It was clear that the witness had been coached by her lawyer on how to answer the questions.
Cite this Entry
“Coach.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/coach. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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