a topcoat

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A light coat worn over other clothes, especially to protect them or for extra warmth.

   Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a topcoat' or 'topcoats'.

   Patterns

   • wear a topcoat
   • a warm topcoat

   He put on a topcoat before going out into the cold.

   She wore a thin topcoat over her dress.

2. 2nouncountable

   The final layer of paint or finish applied to a surface.

   Grammar: Countable; often used in the phrase 'a topcoat of paint'.

   Patterns

   • apply a topcoat
   • a topcoat of paint

   After the primer dries, add a topcoat of paint.

   The topcoat gives the wood a shiny finish.

Word forms

Common combinations

wear a topcoat

He wore a topcoat to the formal event.

a light topcoat

A light topcoat is perfect for spring.

apply a topcoat

Apply a topcoat to protect the paint.

a topcoat of paint

The wall needs a topcoat of paint.

Synonyms and how they differ

overcoat

A heavier coat worn outdoors in cold weather; a topcoat is usually lighter.

finish

The final layer or surface of something; in painting, 'finish' is similar to 'topcoat' but can also refer to the texture.

Word family

coat noun

A piece of outer clothing; also a layer of paint.

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “a topcoat”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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