Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - coastguard

(coastguards) Note: in AM, usually use 'Coast Guard' 1. A coastguard is an official who watches the sea near a coast in order to get help for sailors when they need it and to stop illegal activities. (mainly BRIT) N-COUNT • The coastguard is the organization to which coastguards belong. (BRIT) The survivors were lifted off by two helicopters, one from the Coastguard and one from the RAF. N-SING: the N 2. The Coast Guard is a part of a country’s military forces and is responsible for protecting the coast, carrying out rescues, and doing police work along the coast. (AM) The US Coast Guard says it rescued more than 100 Haitian refugees. N-COUNT • A Coast Guard is a member of the coastguard. (AM) The boat was intercepted by US Coast Guards. N-COUNT