What does coachload mean?
A coachload is an informal word for a large group of people traveling together in a coach. It is especially associated with tourists, schoolchildren, bands, sports supporters, and other organized groups making a trip by bus. The word is chiefly British, although it is also understood and used in American English. In figurative use, a coachload can describe any sizeable group that arrives or gathers together, often with the implication that the group is conspicuous, enthusiastic, or difficult to accommodate. The expression is useful in journalism, travel writing, and informal accounts of events because it conveys both the size of a group and the shared journey or purpose behind it. Its ordinary plural is coachloads, and the term is normally counted with expressions such as a coachload of passengers or a coachload of fans.
nounA coachload is a large group of people traveling together in a coach, especially a tour group, school party, or group of supporters. The term can also refer metaphorically to any sizable group of people traveling or gathered together.
- A large group of passengers traveling together in a coach, such as tourists, students, or sports supporters.
- A large group of people gathered together or arriving together, used figuratively.
"A coachload of tourists arrived at the historic district shortly before noon."
"The stadium was filled by a coachload of away supporters."
"The tour operator expected a coachload of visitors at the exhibition."
The usual plural is coachloads, as in a coachload of supporters.
"Two coachloads of visitors arrived for the festival."
A coachload is a whole traveling crowd in two syllables.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does coachload come from?
Coachload is an English compound formed by combining coach with load. The word coach entered Middle English from French coche, derived from a Central European term for a large carriage, while load comes from Old English lād, originally meaning a way or journey and later a burden or quantity carried. The compound developed its modern sense of a group traveling in a coach during the period when coach travel was a common form of organized long-distance transport.
Related word forms
How coachload is actually used
Informal and especially common in British English. It is often used for tour groups, school trips, and groups of sports supporters, and can suggest a particularly large or conspicuous gathering.