Coverall Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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coverall

[ˈkʌv.ər.ɔːl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

protective clothing

A one-piece protective garment worn for heavy manual work or in hazardous environments. It covers the whole body from head to toe and is designed to protect against dirt, chemicals, or other hazards.

Synonyms

boilersuit, jumpsuit, overalls.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
coverall	Used mainly in American English to refer to a one-piece protective garment worn over regular clothes, often by workers in industrial or construction environments. The mechanic put on his coverall before starting work. She wore a coverall to protect her clothes while painting the house.
overalls	Often used to describe a protective garment that covers the torso and legs, usually with sleeves and often used in farming or casual wear. Sometimes, it also refers to a two-piece set with suspenders (as in American English). He wore overalls while working in the garden. Farmers prefer overalls because they are durable and easy to clean.
boilersuit	A term more commonly used in British English, referring to a one-piece protective workwear, usually worn by manual labor workers. The engineer wore a boilersuit while inspecting the machinery. Factory workers often wear boilersuits to protect their clothes from getting dirty.
jumpsuit	Generally refers to a one-piece garment that covers the torso and legs, can be worn for fashion purposes or as a uniform, often associated with pilots, skydivers, and certain professional occupations. She wore a stylish jumpsuit to the party. The skydiver put on his jumpsuit before the jump.

Examples of usage

They wore coveralls while working in the chemical plant.
The mechanic put on his coveralls before starting to repair the engine.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

sports

A garment worn by athletes in training or competition to provide warmth, support, or protection. It is usually made of stretchy fabric and covers the arms and legs.

Synonyms

bodysuit, leotard, unitard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
coverall	A protective garment often used in work environments to protect clothing and skin from dirt, chemicals, or other hazards. The factory workers wear coveralls to stay safe while handling chemicals. I put on a coverall before working in the garden.
bodysuit	A one-piece garment that covers the torso and sometimes the legs, often used in fashion or as an undergarment for a sleek look. She wore a bodysuit under her high-waisted jeans. The gymnast wore a sparkly bodysuit for her performance.
unitard	A one-piece garment that covers the torso and legs, often used in performance arts, dance, gymnastics, or exercise. The acrobat wore a colorful unitard during the circus performance. Yoga practitioners sometimes prefer a unitard for comfort and flexibility.
leotard	A tight-fitting one-piece garment that covers the torso and usually leaves the legs free, commonly used for dance, gymnastics, or fitness activities. The dancer chose a bright red leotard for her recital. Gymnasts wear leotards during their routines for ease of movement.

Examples of usage

The gymnast wore a colorful coverall during her routine.
The skier put on his coverall before heading down the slope.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Fashion

Coveralls became popular in the 1920s during World War I, as they provided protection for factory workers.
Over the years, they've evolved into a fashionable choice, often seen in designer collections and streetwear.

Cultural Significance

In the United States, coveralls are closely associated with the working class, especially farmers and mechanics.
In contemporary culture, they are often worn at music festivals, linking them to a laid-back and practical fashion statement.

Science and Safety

Coveralls are designed to provide a barrier against harmful substances, making them essential in laboratories and construction sites.
Industrial versions often include safety features like flame-resistant materials and high visibility colors.

Workplace Trends

Many companies have adopted coveralls as part of their uniforms to promote safety and a sense of team unity.
The rise of remote work has led to more casual and functional work attire, including the comeback of stylish coveralls in everyday wear.

Origin of 'coverall'

Main points about word origin

The term 'coverall' originated from the combining of 'cover' and 'all', suggesting that it covers the entire body.
The word first appeared in the English language in the early 20th century, adapting to industrial needs.

The term 'coverall' originated in the early 20th century as a combination of 'cover' and 'all', referring to a garment that covers the entire body. Initially used in industrial settings, coveralls have since become popular in various fields, including sports and fashion.