NYT Dictionary

TURNCOAT

/ˈtɝn.koʊt/
NounVerbTURN-coatturn-coat · 2 syllablesGrade 7

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2021, 2026

Meaning

A traitor; one who turns against a previous affiliation or allegiance.

Etymology

Origin: Unknown

A compound of turn + coat, reportedly derived from the sometime military practice of wearing uniform coats that were lined in material of a contrasting color, and which could be worn inside out to present a different appearance.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

apostatedefectorrenegadebalimbingbutterflychangelingrunagatetraitortransfugeturncloak

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle, including a pangram:

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