Meaning & use
uncoat
Last updated
Meanings
verbtransitive
To remove a coat or other outer layer from someone or something.
Grammar: Takes an object: uncoat a child, uncoat the machine part.
Patterns
- uncoat someone
- uncoat something
The nurse gently uncoated the patient before the examination.
He uncoated the engine part and wiped off the old oil.
verbtransitivetechnical
To remove a covering layer from a surface, especially in technical work.
Grammar: Often used with a material or tool: uncoat the metal with solvent.
Patterns
- uncoat something with something
- uncoat a surface
Workers uncoated the panels with a mild solvent.
The lab uncoated the sample before testing it.
verbintransitiveformalold-fashioned
To take off one's own coat, especially in a formal or old-fashioned setting.
Grammar: No object; used when someone removes their own coat.
Patterns
- uncoat before something
- uncoat in a place
Guests were asked to uncoat before entering the dining room.
She uncoated quietly and hung her jacket by the door.
Word forms
| third person singular | uncoats |
|---|---|
| past tense | uncoated |
| past participle | uncoated |
| -ing form | uncoating |
Common combinations
- uncoat a child
- She uncoated the child as soon as they got inside.
- uncoat a surface
- Use a soft cloth to uncoat the surface.
- uncoat before entering
- Please uncoat before entering the clean room.
- uncoat carefully
- He uncoated carefully so as not to tear the lining.
Synonyms and how they differ
- remove
- A general verb; uncoat is more specific and means removing a coat or coating.
- strip
- Often suggests taking off a whole layer; uncoat is narrower and usually about a coat or coating.
- undress
- Used mainly for clothes in general; uncoat refers specifically to a coat or outer layer.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: uncoat or unquote? uncoat or uncouth?
uncoat vs unquote
Sounds similar but means to end a quotation, not to remove a coat.
uncoat vs uncouth
A different word meaning rude or awkward; it is not related to coats.
Practice
Which sentence uses "uncoat" correctly?
Choose one answer.
"Uncoat" means to remove a coat or outer layer, so "uncoated his jacket" fits. Option 0 uses the opposite idea (adding a layer), and options 2 and 3 do not make sense with the meaning of removing a coat.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “uncoat”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.