coup

Use coup in a sentence

noun

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.

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"coup." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 14 January 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/coup>.

APA Style

coup. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/coup

coup

noun

pl. coups

literally a blow
a sudden, successful move or action; brilliant stroke
coup d'état

Origin of coup

Middle English coupe and French coup, both from Old French colp from Medieval Latin colpus from Vulgar Latin colapus from Classical Latin colaphus, a cuff, box on the ear from Classical Greek kolaphos

Link/Cite

Link to this page

Cite this page

MLA Style

"coup." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 14 January 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/coup>.

APA Style

coup. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/coup

coup

noun

pl. coups,

A brilliantly executed stratagem; a triumph.
a. A coup d'état.
b. A sudden appropriation of leadership or power; a takeover: a boardroom coup.
Among certain Native American peoples, a feat of bravery performed in battle, especially the touching of an enemy's body without causing injury.

Origin of coup

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

THE AMERICAN HERITAGE® DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, FIFTH EDITION by the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries. Copyright © 2016, 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.