What does redcoat mean?
A redcoat is a British soldier, particularly one associated with the red uniform worn by British Army troops during the 18th and early 19th centuries. The term also describes British colonial soldiers in North America, especially during the period of the American Revolution. Historically, the red uniform made British troops conspicuous on the battlefield and became a familiar symbol of British military power. Today, redcoat is mainly encountered in historical novels, museum displays, and discussions of colonial and revolutionary warfare. It can refer to an individual soldier, as in “the redcoat was stationed near the bridge,” or collectively to British troops, as in “the redcoats withdrew.” Although the word is primarily British in modern usage, it also appears in American historical writing because of the role of British forces in the Revolutionary War.
nounA British soldier, especially one serving in the red uniform associated with the British Army in the 18th and early 19th centuries. The term is also used historically for British colonial troops in North America.
- A British soldier, especially one wearing the traditional red uniform of the British Army.
- A member of British colonial forces, particularly during the Revolutionary War in North America.
"The redcoats advanced through the village while the local militia took cover."
"A British redcoat stood guard outside the officers’ quarters."
"Local Americans used the term redcoat for the British soldiers stationed in their town."
Used for individual British soldiers, especially when referring collectively to historical British troops.
"The redcoats were ordered to form ranks along the street."
Before modern camouflage, visibility was not always a soldier’s enemy: British troops were instantly recognizable by their famous red uniforms.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does redcoat come from?
The word is an English compound formed from “red” and “coat,” referring to the red uniforms worn by British soldiers. It became established during the early modern period, when red coats were widely associated with the British Army. The same term was applied to British colonial troops, and related forms such as “redcoated” describe soldiers or uniforms of this kind.
Related word forms
How redcoat is actually used
The word is chiefly historical and is especially associated with British and colonial soldiers of the 18th and early 19th centuries. In modern historical discussion, it may refer either to the soldiers themselves or, by extension, to their distinctive uniform.