noun
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a covering that serves to conceal or shelter something (syn: concealment, covert, screen)under cover of darkness
the brush provided a covert for game
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bedding that keeps a person warm in bed (syn: blanket)he pulled the covers over his head and went to sleep
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the act of concealing the existence of something by obstructing the view of it (syn: covering, masking, screening)the cover concealed their guns from enemy aircraft
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the protective covering on the front, back, and spine of a book (syn: back, binding)-
a natural object that covers or envelops (syn: covering)under a covering of dust
the fox was flushed from its cover
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covering for a hole (especially a hole in the top of a container) (syn: top)put the cover back on the kettle
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fire that makes it difficult for the enemy to fire on your own individuals or formationsartillery provided covering fire for the withdrawal
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a fixed charge by a restaurant or nightclub over and above the charge for food and drink-
a recording of a song that was first recorded or made popular by somebody elsethey made a cover of a Beatles' song
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a false identity and background (especially one created for an undercover agent)her new name and passport are cover for her next assignment
verb
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provide with a covering or cause to be coveredcover her face with a handkerchief
cover the child with a blanket
cover the grave with flowers
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form a cover overThe grass covered the grave
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span an interval of distance, space or time (syn: continue, extend)The period covered the turn of the century
This farm covers some 200 acres
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provide forThe grant doesn't cover my salary
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act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression (syn: address, deal, handle, plow, treat)The course covered all of Western Civilization
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include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory (syn: comprehend, embrace, encompass)this should cover everyone in the group
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travel across or pass over (syn: cross, get across, get over, pass over, track, traverse)The caravan covered almost 100 miles each day
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be responsible for reporting the details of, as in journalism (syn: report)The cub reporter covered New York City
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hold within range of an aimed firearm-
to take an action to protect against future problemsCount the cash in the drawer twice just to cover yourself
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hide from view or knowledge (syn: cover up)The President covered the fact that he bugged the offices in the White House
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protect or defend (a position in a game)he covered left field
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maintain a check on; especially by patrollingThe second officer covered the top floor
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protect by insurance (syn: insure, underwrite)The insurance won't cover this
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make up for shortcomings or a feeling of inferiority by exaggerating good qualities (syn: compensate)-
invest with a large or excessive amount of somethingShe covered herself with glory
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help out by taking someone's place and temporarily assuming his responsibilitiesShe is covering for our secretary who is ill this week
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be sufficient to meet, defray, or offset the charge or cost ofIs this enough to cover the check?
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spread over a surface to conceal or protectThis paint covers well
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cover as if with a shroud (syn: enshroud, hide, shroud)-
copulate with a female, used especially of horses (syn: breed)The horse covers the mare
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put something on top of something else (syn: overlay)cover the meat with a lot of gravy
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play a higher card than the one previously playedSmith covered again
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be responsible for guarding an opponent in a game-
sit on (eggs) (syn: brood, hatch, incubate)The female covers the eggs
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clothe, as if for protection from the elements (syn: wrap up)cover your head!
Extra examples
The gardener covered the soil with mulch.
The furniture had been covered in a protective cloth.
We covered the stains on the wall with a fresh coat of paint.
You should cover your mouth when you cough.
She covered her head with a scarf.
Tables covered with white linen
Lakes cover much of the state.
The hikers covered long distances every day.
The bird may cover thousands of miles during its migration.
She placed a cover over the pan so that the oil wouldn't spatter.
I put a cover on the sofa to protect it.
I lifted the cover of the box and peaked inside.
There's a picture of the author on the book's back cover.
The singer is posing in jeans and cowboy boots on the album cover.
The jewel box had a carved wooden cover.
Phrasal verbs
Word forms
verb
I/you/we/they: cover
he/she/it: covers
present participle: covering
past tense: covered
past participle: covered
noun
singular: cover
plural: covers