English · Word Candidate

coup

/kuː/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: coups · couping · couped

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A quick, brilliant, and highly successful act.

Noun

The conference was a major coup for Robarts, who received congratulations for his 'expert handling' of the 'risky venture.'

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Of Native Americans, a blow against an enemy delivered in a way that demonstrates bravery.

NounRegister: US

Among the Blackfeet the capture of a shield, bow, gun, war bonnet, war shirt, or medicine pipe was deemed a coup.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To execute a coup.

Verb

The squaws of another race will sing the death-song of their benefactor, and woe to the Sioux if the Northern Cheyennes get a chance to coup !

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To subject (a nation) to a coup d'état.

VerbRegister: informal

We will coup whoever we want! Deal with it.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “coup” mean?

A quick, brilliant, and highly successful act.

Is “coup” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.