Cloak vs. Coat — What's the Difference?

A cloak is a type of loose garment that is worn over indoor clothing and serves the same purpose as an overcoat; it protects the wearer from the cold, rain or wind for example, or it may form part of a fashionable outfit or uniform. Cloaks have been used by myriad historic societies; many climates favor wearing a full-body garment which is easily removed and does not constrain the wearer with sleeves.

A sleeved outer garment extending from the shoulders to the waist or below.

A sleeveless outdoor overgarment that hangs loosely from the shoulders

See suit coat.

Dress in a cloak

The hair or fur of an animal

A long, loose outer garment, usually having a hood and no sleeves.

The outer covering of a biological structure or organ

Something that covers or conceals

To cover with a layer

A long outer garment worn over the shoulders covering the back; a cape, often with a hood.

(countable) An outer garment covering the upper torso and arms.^Wp

A blanket-like covering, often metaphorical.

The outer covering of a virus.

A cloakroom

A layer of material covering something else; a coating

To cover or conceal with a cloak or something that acts like a cloak

To provide or cover with a coat.

(figurative)  That which conceals; a disguise or pretext.

(countable) A covering of material, such as paint.^Wp

(Internet) A text replacement for an IRC user's hostname or IP address, making the user less identifiable.

(countable) The fur or feathers covering an animal's skin.^Wp

(transitive) To cover as with a cloak.

Canvas painted with thick tar and secured round a mast or bowsprit to prevent water running down the sides into the hold (now made of rubber or leather).

To cover up, hide or conceal.

(obsolete) A petticoat.

To render or become invisible via futuristic technology.

The habit or vesture of an order of men, indicating the order or office; cloth.

A loose outer garment, extending from the neck downwards, and commonly without sleeves. It is longer than a cape, and is worn both by men and by women.

A coat of arms.^Wp

That which conceals; a disguise or pretext; an excuse; a fair pretense; a mask; a cover.

A coat card.

To cover with, or as with, a cloak; hence, to hide or conceal.

(transitive) To cover with a coating of some material.

Anything that covers or conceals

(transitive) To cover like a coat.

A loose outer garment

To clothe.

Hide under a false appearance;

An outer garment fitting the upper part of the body; especially, such a garment worn by men.

A petticoat.

The habit or vesture of an order of men, indicating the order or office; cloth.

An external covering like a garment, as fur, skin, wool, husk, or bark; as, the horses coats were sleek.

A layer of any substance covering another; a cover; a tegument; as, the coats of the eye; the coats of an onion; a coat of tar or varnish.

Same as Coat of arms. See below.

A coat card. See below.

To cover with a coat or outer garment.

To cover with a layer of any substance; as, to coat a jar with tin foil; to coat a ceiling.

An outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors

A thin layer covering something;

Growth of hair or wool or fur covering the body of an animal

Put a coat on; cover the surface of; furnish with a surface;

Cover or provide with a coat

Form a coat over;