Literal meanings:
* As clothing: "I put on my winter coat before going outside."
* As a layer: "The earth's atmosphere acts as a protective coat around the planet."
* As a covering: "The painter used a thick coat of paint on the door."
Figurative meanings:
* To cover: "A layer of snow coated the entire landscape."
* To apply: "The chef coated the fish in breadcrumbs."
* To describe a layer: "The cake was covered in a thick coat of frosting."
Specific examples:
* "The old man wore a tattered coat over his worn clothes." (Literal, describing clothing)
* "A layer of ice coated the windshield, making it impossible to see." (Literal, describing a layer)
* "The artist coated the canvas in vibrant colors." (Literal, describing an application)
* "He tried to coat his bitterness with a smile." (Figurative, describing a facade)