ulster

Everyday

1. (proper noun) One of the four historic provinces of Ireland, in the north; it has nine counties – six are in Northern Ireland (part of the UK) and three in the Republic of Ireland. tree →
2. (noun, old-fashioned) A long, loose, heavy overcoat, often with a belt and a short cape, worn in Victorian and Edwardian times. tree →

In the lessons

In geography and history: Ireland's provinces are Ulster, Munster, Leinster and Connacht; people sometimes say «Ulster» to mean Northern Ireland, though that is not exact. In The Wind in the Willows Toad, as a motorist, dresses in the grand clothes of early drivers – goggles, cap, gaiters and an enormous overcoat – the kind of coat called an ulster. Phrases: «Ulster rugby», «the province of Ulster».

Examples

• Donegal is part of Ulster but is in the Republic of Ireland. tree →
• Ulster is one of the four provinces of Ireland. tree →
• The traveller buttoned his heavy ulster against the wind. tree →
• Ulster Rugby play in Belfast. tree →
• Victorian gentlemen wore long ulsters in winter. tree →
• Six of Ulster's nine counties are in Northern Ireland. tree →

Note

The place has a capital U: Ulster. The coat is written lower case: an ulster. Ulster and Northern Ireland are not exactly the same; it is a sensitive topic for some people, so use names carefully.