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cover

noun · verb

Words like cover

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MEANING & USAGE

Definitions & examples

01noun

a covering that serves to conceal or shelter something

“a screen of trees afforded privacy”

“under cover of darkness”

02noun

bedding that keeps a person warm in bed

“he pulled the covers over his head and went to sleep”

03noun

the act of concealing the existence of something by obstructing the view of it

“the cover concealed their guns from enemy aircraft”

04noun

the protective covering on the front, back, and spine of a book

“the book had a leather binding”

32 more meanings

05noun

a natural object that covers or envelops

“under a covering of dust”

“the fox was flushed from its cover”

06noun

covering for a hole (especially a hole in the top of a container)

“he removed the top of the carton”

“he couldn't get the top off of the bottle”

07noun

fire that makes it difficult for the enemy to fire on your own individuals or formations

“artillery provided covering fire for the withdrawal”

08noun

a fixed charge by a restaurant or nightclub over and above the charge for food and drink

09noun

a recording of a song that was first recorded or made popular by somebody else

“they made a cover of a Beatles' song”

10noun

a false identity and background (especially one created for an undercover agent)

“her new name and passport are cover for her next assignment”

11verb

provide with a covering or cause to be covered

“cover her face with a handkerchief”

“cover the child with a blanket”

12verb

form a cover over

“The grass covered the grave”

13verb

span an interval of distance, space or time

“The war extended over five years”

“The period covered the turn of the century”

14verb

provide for

“The grant doesn't cover my salary”

15verb

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

“This book deals with incest”

“The course covered all of Western Civilization”

16verb

include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory

“This group encompasses a wide range of people from different backgrounds”

“this should cover everyone in the group”

17verb

travel across or pass over

“The caravan covered almost 100 miles each day”

18verb

be responsible for reporting the details of, as in journalism

“Snow reported on China in the 1950's”

“The cub reporter covered New York City”

19verb

hold within range of an aimed firearm

20verb

to take an action to protect against future problems

“Count the cash in the drawer twice just to cover yourself”

21verb

hide from view or knowledge

“The President covered the fact that he bugged the offices in the White House”

22verb

protect or defend (a position in a game)

“he covered left field”

23verb

maintain a check on; especially by patrolling

“The second officer covered the top floor”

24verb

protect by insurance

“The insurance won't cover this”

25verb

make up for shortcomings or a feeling of inferiority by exaggerating good qualities

“he is compensating for being a bad father”

26verb

invest with a large or excessive amount of something

“She covered herself with glory”

27verb

help out by taking someone's place and temporarily assuming their responsibilities

“She is covering for our secretary who is ill this week”

28verb

be sufficient to meet, defray, or offset the charge or cost of

“Is this enough to cover the check?”

29verb

spread over a surface to conceal or protect

“This paint covers well”

30verb

cover as if with a shroud

“The origins of this civilization are shrouded in mystery”

31verb

copulate with a female, used especially of horses

“The horse covers the mare”

32verb

put something on top of something else

“cover the meat with a lot of gravy”

33verb

play a higher card than the one previously played

“Smith covered again”

34verb

be responsible for guarding an opponent in a game

35verb

sit on (eggs)

“Birds brood”

“The female covers the eggs”

36verb

clothe, as if for protection from the elements

“cover your head!”

Meanings and examples from Open English WordNet 2025. About our sources ↗

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Expressions with “cover”

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