noun
Uncommon
coating
KOH-tihng
Coating (noun) means a thin layer of a substance applied to a surface. Example: “The pan has a non-stick coating.”
noun
1
A thin layer of a substance applied to a surface.
"They painted on a coating to protect it from the weather."
"The pan has a non-stick coating."
"A light coating of frost covered the grass."
"Apply a second coating of paint once the first one has dried."
"You can, if you like, give the completed cork wall a protective coating of sealer, stain, varnish, wax or polish, so you will be able to use liquid cleaners on it."
— Robert M. Jones, editor, Walls and Ceilings (1980)
How to use coating
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA thin layer of something spread or applied over a surface.
Common pairings
non-stick coating
protective coating
a coating of frost
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Word forms
- Plural
- coatings
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The pan has a non-stick _____.
Related words
Rhymes for coating
See all rhymes for coating →Frequently asked questions
What does “coating” mean?
The word “coating” means a thin layer of a substance applied to a surface. In plain terms, a thin layer of something spread or applied over a surface.
How do you pronounce “coating”?
“Coating” is pronounced KOH-tihng (/ˈkoʊtɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “coating” in a sentence?
Here is “coating” used in a sentence: “The pan has a non-stick coating.”
What part of speech is “coating”?
“Coating” is a noun.
Is “coating” a common word?
“Coating” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a coating and a layer?
A coating specifically refers to a substance applied to a surface, often for protection, decoration, or a functional purpose, while a layer is a more general term for any level or sheet of material stacked or spread over another. Every coating is a type of layer, but not every layer is a coating.
What is the difference between a coating and a finish?
A coating is the thin layer of substance itself applied to a surface, while a finish often refers to the final appearance or texture that results from that application, such as a glossy or matte finish. The two terms overlap heavily but 'finish' emphasizes the resulting look rather than the material applied.
What are common types of coatings?
Coatings can include paint, varnish, wax, sugar or chocolate glazes on food, and protective chemical layers such as those on cookware or electronics. In each case, the coating is a thin layer applied over a surface for protection, appearance, or another functional purpose.
