plural coals
often attributive
1
: a piece of glowing carbon or charred wood : ember
2
3
a
: a black or brownish-black solid combustible substance formed by the partial decomposition of vegetable matter without free access of air and under the influence of moisture and often increased pressure and temperature that is widely used as a natural fuel
b
coals plural, British
: pieces or a quantity of the fuel broken up for burning
coaled; coaling; coals
: to take in coal
Phrases
haul/rake (someone) over the coals
informal
: to criticize (someone) very severely
The government was then raked over the coals for refusing to send out information about the candidates.—
The Economist
The EconomistThe Headmaster was angry. So angry, indeed, that he did what in a more lucid interval he would not have done. He hauled a senior over the coals in the hearing of a number of juniors …—P. G. Wodehouse
P. G. WodehouseExamples of coal in a Sentence
Noun
When the coals are red, they are very hot.
I toasted one last marshmallow over the coals of the campfire.
Recent Examples on the Web
Angelica Ang, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
Australia’s coal ash and glass waste are getting a second life.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 8 Sep. 2025
The frenzy threatened not only to destroy China’s ruling Qing dynasty, struggling with rampant societal chaos, but also to worsen tensions among Western nations seeking strategic harbors, coaling stations, and economic exploitation in that Asian land.
—Robert W. Merry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coal
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.
Noun
Air pollution in Southeast Asia comes from various sources, including vehicle exhaust, forest fires, and coal power plants.
—Angelica Ang, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
Australia’s coal ash and glass waste are getting a second life.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
After switching to diesel electric locomotives, coaling towers were no longer needed, according to the National Park Service.
—Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 8 Sep. 2025
The frenzy threatened not only to destroy China’s ruling Qing dynasty, struggling with rampant societal chaos, but also to worsen tensions among Western nations seeking strategic harbors, coaling stations, and economic exploitation in that Asian land.
—Robert W. Merry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coal
Cite this Entry
“Coal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coal. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
coal
2 of 2 verb1
: to supply with coal
2
: to take in coal
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share