coward
KOW-uhd
Coward (noun) means a person who lacks courage, especially someone who avoids danger or difficulty out of fear. Example: “Only a coward would abandon his friends in a crisis.”
noun
1
A person who lacks courage, especially someone who avoids danger or difficulty out of fear.
"Only a coward would abandon his friends in a crisis."
"She called him a coward for refusing to admit his mistake."
"He felt like a coward for staying silent while his friend was blamed."
How to use coward
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who is afraid to face danger, pain, or difficulty.
Common mistake
Not related to "cower" (to crouch in fear) even though they look alike — different origins entirely.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
act like a coward
call someone a coward
moral coward
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Word forms
- Plural
- cowards
- Third person singular
- cowards
- Past tense
- cowarded
- Comparative
- more coward
- Superlative
- most coward
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Only a _____ would abandon his friends in a crisis.
Etymology
From Old French coart, built from coue ("tail"), likely picturing an animal fleeing with its tail between its legs — unrelated to "cower," despite the similar spelling.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for coward
See all rhymes for coward →Frequently asked questions
What does “coward” mean?
The word “coward” means a person who lacks courage, especially someone who avoids danger or difficulty out of fear. In plain terms, someone who is afraid to face danger, pain, or difficulty.
How do you pronounce “coward”?
“Coward” is pronounced KOW-uhd (/ˈkaʊɚd/ in IPA).
How do you use “coward” in a sentence?
Here is “coward” used in a sentence: “Only a coward would abandon his friends in a crisis.”
What is the opposite of “coward”?
The opposite of “coward” — its antonyms — is hero.
What part of speech is “coward”?
“Coward” is a noun.
Where does the word “coward” come from?
The word “coward” comes from Old French. From Old French coart, built from coue ("tail"), likely picturing an animal fleeing with its tail between its legs — unrelated to "cower," despite the similar spelling.
Is “coward” a common word?
“Coward” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between a "coward" and someone who is simply "cautious"?
A coward specifically lacks courage and avoids danger or difficulty out of fear, often carrying a negative judgment about their character. Being cautious, by contrast, means acting carefully to avoid unnecessary risk, which does not necessarily imply a lack of courage.
Is calling someone a "coward" always an insult?
Yes, "coward" is generally used as a negative or critical term, describing someone who lacks courage and avoids danger or difficulty out of fear, so it typically carries a disapproving tone rather than a neutral one.
What is the adjective form related to "coward"?
The related adjective is "cowardly," used to describe behavior or actions that show a lack of courage, such as a "cowardly retreat," while "coward" itself is used as a noun to describe the person.
