plural coups
ˈküz
1
: a sudden decisive exercise of force in politics and especially the violent overthrow or alteration of an existing government by a small group : coup d'état
In its first few hours, the coup seemed a terrifying confirmation of the power of the military, the police and, especially, the KGB.—David Remnick
By nightfall, the troops had freed the captured President and ended the six-day-old coup, a military spokesman said.—Marlise Simons
2
: a brilliant, sudden, and usually highly successful stroke or act
It's an impressive coup for the NCAA and its corporate sponsors to snag an artist with Springsteen's cachet for this event.—Chris Strauss
From time to time, the conspiracy groupies pull off a huge disinformation coup.—Alex Kozinski
Foreseeing a publicity coup, chairman Roger Smith was determined to exhibit an electric car at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 1990.—Mark Fischetti
see also coup de grâce
Cite this Entry
“Coup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coup. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
