coat of arms

noun phrase

Synonyms of coat of armsnext
1
: a tabard or surcoat embroidered with armorial bearings
2
a
: heraldic bearings (as of a person) usually depicted on an escutcheon often with accompanying adjuncts (such as a crest, motto, and supporters)
b
: a similar symbolic emblem

Examples of coat of arms in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ornamental shields and coats of arms are decorated with castles, crosses, lions, flags, and crowns. — Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 12 Aug. 2026 Michigan's state flag is a blue background featuring the state's coat of arms, a design dating back to 1865, according to the state of Michigan. — Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 2 Aug. 2026 The finding soon became a national symbol of the region’s ancient history, and is a regular fixture of local souvenir shops, postage stamps, and the Abruzzo coat of arms. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 21 July 2026 In the center of the crest lies an iteration of the Spanish coat of arms representing the kingdoms of Castile, León, Aragon, and Navarre, going clockwise. — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for coat of arms

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cote of armes, translation of Middle French cote d'armes

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of coat of arms was in the 14th century

Rhymes for coat of arms

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Browse Nearby Words

coat money
coat of arms
coat of mail
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Cite this Entry

“Coat of arms.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coat%20of%20arms. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

coat of arms

: the heraldic arms belonging to a person, family, or group or a representation of these (as on a shield)
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