Coal

Quick meaning: Coal is a noun meaning (uncountable) A black or brownish black rock formed from prehistoric plant remains, composed largely of carbon and burned as a fuel.

Meaning

(uncountable) A black or brownish black rock formed from prehistoric plant remains, composed largely of carbon and burned as a fuel.

More Meanings

1. (countable) A piece of coal used for burning (this use is less common in American English)
2. (countable) A glowing or charred piece of coal, wood, or other solid fuel.
3. Charcoal.
4. (Internet slang) Content of low quality.
5. (military slang, World War I– World War II) Bombs emitting black smoke on impact.
6. (intransitive) To take on a supply of coal (usually of steam ships or locomotives).
7. (slang, obsolete) Money.

Example Sentences

glowing coals

Put some coals on the fire.

I'm so sick of seeing this coal online.

Coal-eaters they may have been, but a more willing or harder working Atlantic engine was never designed.

Word Forms

• coals
• coale
• coaling
• coaled
• coalest

Synonyms for coal

Depending on context, synonyms include char, ember.

Antonyms for coal

Common opposites include gem.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include char, ember, lignite, coke, charcoal, gas.

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