coil
14 synonyms and 1 antonym for coil, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Something wound into a spiral or helix shape.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
Something wound into a spiral or helix shape.
“He wound the garden hose into a neat coil.”
How to use coil
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
coil of rope
coil a hose
fit a coil
Etymology
From Old French coillir, "to gather or pick," ultimately from Latin colligere, "to collect" — the same root that gives us "collect" and "cull."
Full origin of coil →Frequently asked questions
What does “coil” mean?
The word “coil” means something wound into a spiral or helix shape. In plain terms, a spiral shape, or the act of winding something into one — also the everyday term for a type of IUD contraceptive.
How do you pronounce “coil”?
“Coil” is pronounced koyl (/kɔɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “coil” in a sentence?
Here is “coil” used in a sentence: “He wound the garden hose into a neat coil.”
What part of speech is “coil”?
Depending on how it is used, “coil” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “coil” come from?
The word “coil” comes from Latin. From Old French coillir, "to gather or pick," ultimately from Latin colligere, "to collect" — the same root that gives us "collect" and "cull.".
Is “coil” a common word?
“Coil” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “coil” have?
“Coil” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something wound into a spiral or helix shape.
What is the difference between a coil and a spring?
A coil is anything wound into a spiral or helix shape, which is a broad description covering many objects, while a spring is a specific coiled object designed to store and release mechanical energy through elasticity. Every spring is typically coil-shaped, but not every coil functions as a spring.
What is 'the coil' in the context of contraception?
In contraception, 'the coil' is an informal name for an intrauterine device, a small T-shaped or hormonal device fitted inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. This is a specialized medical use of the general word coil.
Can 'coil' be used as both a noun and a verb?
Yes, coil works as a noun for the spiral shape itself and as a verb meaning to wind something into rings or loops, as in 'coil the rope.' The verb describes the action of creating the noun's shape.
