What does coax mean?
Coax means to persuade someone to do something gently and persistently, typically through patient encouragement, flattery, or soothing words rather than force or authority. It can also describe carefully bringing about a result from an object — a mechanic might coax a stubborn engine into starting, or a gardener coax a shy plant into bloom. The word's defining quality is its suggestion of tenderness combined with tenacity: coaxing implies repeated, good-natured effort, which distinguishes it from harsher forms of influence like pressuring or commanding. In modern usage it appears frequently in both literal contexts (coaxing a child to eat, coaxing a cat out of hiding) and figurative or technical ones (coaxing data out of a system). Informally, "coax" also serves as short for coaxial cable in electronics. Its long history and consistently gentle connotation make it a versatile and expressive alternative to plainer verbs of persuasion.
To persuade someone gently and persistently to do something; to obtain or achieve something through patient, gentle effort.
"He finally coaxed his grandmother into trying the new video call app."
Often used with "into," "out of," or "from" depending on whether the goal is gaining compliance, removing resistance, or extracting something.
Informal short form of coaxial cable, a type of electrical cable with a central conductor surrounded by insulation and shielding.
"Check that the coax is screwed tightly into the back of the modem."
This noun sense is chiefly informal technical jargon among electricians, installers, and hobbyists.
"Coax" has charmed its way through English since the 1500s — and its earliest recorded sense had nothing to do with persuasion at all: it once meant "to fondle or pet."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of coax
Coax entered English in the latter half of the sixteenth century, though its ultimate origin remains uncertain — etymologists have proposed connections to dialectal and slang terms without reaching consensus. Its earliest recorded senses involved treating someone affectionately, such as fondling or petting, before shifting toward the modern sense of gentle persuasion. A later, unrelated-seeming use arose in the twentieth century when "coax" became informal shorthand for coaxial cable in radio and television engineering.
Related word forms
How coax is actually used
Coax carries a connotation of gentleness and persistence rather than force, making it warmer than terms like pressure or compel. It is common in everyday speech as well as writing, and often appears with prepositions such as "into," "out of," or "from." The noun sense referring to coaxial cable is informal technical shorthand.
Easily confused with coax
A hoax is a deliberate deception or prank, whereas coax is a verb meaning to persuade gently.