coal

[ kohl ]

noun

1. a black or dark-brown combustible mineral substance consisting of carbonized vegetable matter, used as a fuel. Compare anthracite, bituminous coal, lignite.
2. a piece of glowing, charred, or burned wood or other combustible substance.
3. charcoal ( def 1 ).

verb (used with object)

1. to burn to coal or charcoal.
2. to provide with coal.

verb (used without object)

1. to take in coal for fuel.

coal

/ kəʊl /

noun

1. 1. a combustible compact black or dark-brown carbonaceous rock formed from compaction of layers of partially decomposed vegetation: a fuel and a source of coke, coal gas, and coal tar See also anthracite bituminous coal lignite peat 1
   2. ( as modifier )

      coal cellar

      coal mine

      coal dust

      coal merchant

2. one or more lumps of coal
3. short for charcoal
4. coals to Newcastle
   something supplied where it is already plentiful
5. haul someone over the coals
   to reprimand someone

verb

1. to take in, provide with, or turn into coal

coal

/ kōl /

1. A dark-brown to black solid substance formed from the compaction and hardening of fossilized plant parts in the presence of water and in the absence of air. Carbonaceous material accounts for more than 50 percent of coal's weight and more than 70 percent of its volume. Coal is widely used as a fuel, and its combustion products are used as raw material for a variety of products including cement, asphalt, wallboard and plastics.
2. See more at anthracite

Derived Forms

• ˈcoaly, adjective

Other Words From

• coalless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of coal¹

before 900; Middle English cole, Old English col; cognate with Dutch kool, German Kohle, Old Norse kol

Word History and Origins

Origin of coal¹

Old English col; related to Old Norse kol, Old High German kolo, Old Irish gūal

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. heap coals of fire on someone's head, to repay evil with good in order to make one's enemy repent.
2. rake / haul / drag / call / take over the coals, to reprimand; scold:

   They were raked over the coals for turning out slipshod work.

More idioms and phrases containing coal

see carry coals to Newcastle ; rake over the coals .

Example Sentences

Non-essential construction has also been banned, and citizens told to avoid burning coal.

From BBC

In apparent response to the GOP wins, small-cap stocks, along with financial and traditional energy sectors — including oil, gas and coal — performed particularly well following the election and may continue to benefit from anticipated new policies, such as corporate tax cuts, reduced regulatory oversight for financial institutions and fewer environmental restrictions on fossil fuel production.

From Salon

Nuclear energy is often hailed for its low carbon emissions compared to other sources like natural gas or coal.

From BBC

The World Nuclear Association estimates that 10% of power generated worldwide comes from nuclear sources, while more than 50% is still generated by gas or coal.

From BBC

The Delhi government has enacted its Graded Response Action Plan - which bans all activities that involve the use of coal and firewood, as well as diesel generator use for non-emergency services - but that has not saved the city from experiencing toxic levels of pollution.

From BBC