Meaning & use
coveralls
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Meanings
nounplural
A loose piece of clothing that covers the whole body, worn over other clothes to protect them while working.
Grammar: Always plural; use a plural verb: The coveralls are new. To talk about one item, say 'a pair of coveralls.'
Patterns
- wear coveralls
- a pair of coveralls
- put on coveralls
The mechanic put on his coveralls before starting the engine.
These coveralls are made of heavy cotton to protect your clothes.
She bought a pair of coveralls for painting the house.
nounplural
A one-piece protective suit worn by workers in factories, farms, or laboratories.
Grammar: Plural; often used with 'a pair of' for one suit.
Patterns
- protective coveralls
- disposable coveralls
- work coveralls
The laboratory requires visitors to wear protective coveralls.
Farm workers often wear coveralls to keep clean in the fields.
Common combinations
- a pair of coveralls
- He hung a pair of coveralls on the hook by the door.
- wear coveralls
- You should wear coveralls when you work with chemicals.
- protective coveralls
- The team put on protective coveralls before entering the contaminated area.
- put on coveralls
- She put on her coveralls and started repairing the tractor.
Synonyms and how they differ
- overalls
- In British English, overalls are the same as coveralls; in American English, overalls usually mean denim pants with a bib and straps.
- boiler suit
- A British term for a similar one-piece work garment, often used for heavy work.
Word family
- coverall noun
- Rare singular form; can mean a single protective garment.
Commonly confused: coveralls or overalls? coveralls or jumpsuit?
coveralls vs overalls
In American English, overalls are usually denim pants with a bib and straps, not a full-body protective suit. In British English, overalls can mean the same as coveralls.
coveralls vs jumpsuit
A jumpsuit is a one-piece fashion garment, often stylish, while coveralls are worn for work and protection.
Practice
The factory workers wear ______ to protect their clothes from oil.
Choose one answer.
Coveralls are full-body protective work clothes, which fit the context of factory work. Overalls in American English are usually denim pants, jumpsuits are fashion items, and aprons only cover the front.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “coveralls”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.