Coastie

noun

Coast·​ie ˈkō-stē 

plural Coasties

chiefly US, informal

: a member of a coast guard

specifically : a member of the U.S. Coast Guard

When a retired Coastie like me opens a book that presumes to tell the story of the U.S. Coast Guard, it is usually with more than a little trepidation.

—Howard Thorsen, United States Naval Institute: Proceedings, November 2009

Word History

Etymology

coast (guard) + -ie

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dicitonary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now