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Overcoat

Apparel
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A long, outer garment worn for warmth and formality; in poetry, it represents protective layering, the formality of public dress, or the anonymity and heft of a heavy coat.

Detailed Definition
An overcoat is a substantial outer layer extending below the waist, used in cold weather and often cut from wool or heavy cloth. It can evoke winter cities, funerals, train platforms, and dignified solitude. A poet may emphasize its weight, pockets, or collar to show a person carrying more than clothing can explain. When passed from one body to another, it may also embody memory, inheritance, and care.
Example
Example in poetry:
“He buttoned his overcoat before entering the silent house,” makes the garment part of a solemn transition; A heavy overcoat may symbolize emotional defenses carried through winter; “Her overcoat smelled of smoke, snow, and distant trains,” compresses memory into sensory detail; A poet can contrast an oversized overcoat with a fragile speaker to show burdens beyond the body.
Additional Notes
An overcoat is worn over indoor clothing, especially in winter or for formal occasions. It is generally longer than a jacket and may be made of wool, cashmere, or other warm fabric.
Also Known As
Topcoat Long Coat surcoat
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