coup de main

noun

ˌkü-də-ˈmaⁿ

plural coups de main ˌkü-də-ˈmaⁿ

Synonyms of coup de main next

: a sudden attack in force

Examples of coup de main in a Sentence

the Continental Army's attack on the British-Hessian encampment at Trenton, New Jersey, ranks as one of the most brilliant coups de main of the war

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Ryan Reynolds walked arm in arm with Blake Lively, and there were polite air-kisses and an appearance by Martha Stewart—but like the film’s coup de main, the night was filled with surprises. —

Lauren Sanchez, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2018

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, hand stroke

First Known Use

1758, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of coup de main was in 1758

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Coup de main.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coup%20de%20main. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

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