Coast Guard

noun

1. U.S. Military. a military service under the Department of Transportation, which in peacetime enforces maritime laws, saves lives and property at sea, and maintains aids to navigation, and which in wartime may be placed under the Navy Department to augment the navy.
2. (lowercase) any similar organization for aiding navigation, preventing smuggling, etc.
3. (lowercase) Also called coastguardsman. a member of any such organization.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Coast Guard¹

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

The Coast Guard sent out a call for help.

From National Geographic Kids

It is not known when the US Coast Guard was told of the noise - or whether the families and friends waiting on the sub’s support ship were informed.

From BBC

The US Coast Guard is holding a public hearing on 16 September to examine why the disaster happened, from the sub’s unconventional design to ignored safety warnings and the lack of regulation in the deep.

From BBC

Later that day, after the craft failed to resurface, the US Coast Guard was notified, sparking a vast search and rescue operation.

From BBC

The fact is, we wouldn’t have an army, a navy, the Air Force, the Marine Corps or the Coast Guard if we didn’t have brave men and women of all races and sexual persuasions who are willing to serve to defend this country.

From Salon