turncoat

noun

turn·​coat ˈtərn-ˌkōt How to pronounce turncoat (audio)
: one who switches to an opposing side or party
specifically : traitor

Examples of turncoat in a Sentence

the plot of the story revolved around the gangster's relentless determination to learn the identity of the turncoat
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For instance, the story of Armand, the accidental turncoat semi-ex-mafia guy played by Max Casella, could easily have come from either of the crime masterpieces Winter worked on. Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2024 With a turncoat on the loose among the agents, time is of the essence to root out the loose cannon before they, ahem, fire. Charlie Mason, TVLine, 16 Sep. 2024 Those turncoats from the NFL, the NBA and MLB would never invite their supporters in to build the team’s clubhouse, and their billionaire owners definitely wouldn’t be working alongside them. Reis Thebault, Washington Post, 21 July 2024 His turncoat behavior only intensified the criticism. Scott Maxwell, Orlando Sentinel, 16 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for turncoat 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1566, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of turncoat was circa 1566

Dictionary Entries Near turncoat

Cite this Entry

“Turncoat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turncoat. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

turncoat

noun
turn·​coat ˈtərn-ˌkōt How to pronounce turncoat (audio)
: a person on one side who goes over to the other

More from Merriam-Webster on turncoat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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