A coat hanger is a device used to hang coats, jackets, and other garments. It is typically made of metal wire bent into a triangular shape with a hook at the top. The term 'coat hanger' is derived from the fact that it resembles a traditional wooden hanger used to hang coats in a closet. Coat hangers are commonly found in closets, but can also be used to hang items in other areas such as bathrooms, bedrooms, and laundry rooms.