What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
surcoat
Example
The knight wore a surcoat over his armor to display his heraldry. [surcoat: noun]
Example
She wrapped herself in a surcoat to keep warm on the chilly evening. [surcoat: noun]
Example
The bride wore a beautiful surcoat over her wedding dress. [surcoat: noun]
topcoat
Example
He put on his topcoat before heading out into the cold. [topcoat: noun]
Example
She looked sharp in her topcoat and dress shoes. [topcoat: noun]
Example
The car's topcoat had started to peel, revealing the base color underneath. [topcoat: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Topcoat is more commonly used in everyday language than surcoat. Topcoat is a versatile garment that can be worn in various contexts, while surcoat is less common and has a more specific historical association.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between surcoat and topcoat?
Topcoat is generally considered more formal than surcoat. Topcoat is often worn over dress clothes for added style or formality, while surcoat is more associated with historical or costume contexts.
