Coup definition

ko͝o
coups
See word origin
Frequency:
A sudden, successful move or action; brilliant stroke.
noun
13
4
noun
9
2
By extension, a takeover of one group by another.
noun
8
1
The definition of a coup is a political uprising in which power changes hands or a successful strategic move.

An example of a coup is when rebels overthrow the government.

An example of a coup is when you make a big sale.

noun
9
3
(literally) A blow.
noun
8
3
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A sudden appropriation of leadership or power; a takeover.

A boardroom coup.

noun
4
0
A quick, brilliant, and highly successful act; a triumph.
noun
2
1
A coup d'état.
noun
1
0
Among certain Native American peoples, a feat of bravery performed in battle, especially the touching of an enemy's body without causing injury.
noun
1
1
A coup d'état.
noun
1
1
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A brilliantly executed stratagem; a triumph.
noun
1
6
count coup
  • Among certain Native American peoples, to ceremoniously recount one's exploits in battle.
idiom
1
3

Other Word Forms

Noun

Singular:
coup
Plural:
coups

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Origin of coup

  • French stroke from Old French colp from Late Latin colpus from Latin colaphus from Greek kolaphos

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Borrowing from Old French

    From Wiktionary

Coup Sentence Examples

  • The emperor's first great coup thus failed.

  • He left Paris after the coup d'etat of 1851 and spent nine years in England.

  • The coup was perfectly successful.

  • The murder of three men of the Baltic Landeswehr led to the coup of April 16 1919, by the proclamation of the Government of a Lettish clergyman, Needra.

  • After the coup d'etat of 1851 he retired from public life.

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Words near coup in the Dictionary