1. a sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government
2. a notable or successful stroke or move
Usage: informal

Examples

• The military staged a coup against the elected government.
• The rebels attempted a coup but were quickly defeated.
• Getting that interview was quite a coup for the young journalist.
• The company’s acquisition of their main competitor was a major coup.
• The general led a successful coup and declared himself president.
• Landing the starring role in the movie was a real coup for her career.