Cover
/ˈkʌvər/
Definitions
7 meaningsTo put something over or on something else; to protect, conceal, or spread over.
/ˈkʌvər/
To place something over or on top of another thing.
He covered the table with a tablecloth.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're hiding a present! You *cover* it up with wrapping paper. Or when it rains, you *cover* yourself with an umbrella.
👶 For kids: To put something on top of something else, like putting a blanket on your bed.
More Examples
The artist covered the canvas with paint.
Can you cover me while I go get a coffee?
How It's Used
"She covered the cake with frosting."
"The journalists covered the event live."
To provide information about; to report on.
/ˈkʌvər/
To deal with (a subject) in a report or broadcast.
The journalist covered the press conference.
💡 Simply: Imagine news reporters! They *cover* a story, telling everyone what happened. Like they might *cover* the weather or a sports game.
👶 For kids: To tell people about something, like a news reporter telling about a big event.
More Examples
The news channel covered the disaster.
The local newspaper covered the school play.
How It's Used
"The news agency will cover the upcoming election."
"The commentator covered the game live."
To include in an insurance policy or financial agreement; to protect against loss or damage.
/ˈkʌvər/
To provide financial protection against a risk.
The insurance policy covers theft.
💡 Simply: Think of insurance. It *covers* you! Like if your car gets damaged, the insurance *covers* the cost of fixing it.
👶 For kids: To protect you from something bad happening, like insurance protecting you from paying a lot of money.
More Examples
This warranty covers all manufacturing defects.
The company covers the employee's travel expenses.
How It's Used
"The insurance policy covers medical expenses."
"Their business loans are covered by a government guarantee."
Something that is put over or around something else for protection or concealment.
/ˈkʌvər/
Something that is placed over or protects something else.
The book has a hard cover.
💡 Simply: Think about a blanket. That's a *cover*! It protects you and keeps you warm. A book's *cover* protects the pages.
👶 For kids: Something you put on top of something to protect it, like a lid on a box.
More Examples
She used a cover to protect the furniture from the rain.
He removed the cover from the lens.
How It's Used
"The book's cover was beautifully illustrated."
"She put a cover on the pot to keep the food warm."
The extent to which something is reported on or addressed.
/ˈkʌvər/
The extent to which something is dealt with.
The newspaper provided excellent coverage of the local elections.
💡 Simply: Think of how much the news tells you about something. That's the *coverage*. For example, a big story might get a lot of *coverage*, but a small one might get less.
👶 For kids: How much information you get about something, like how much a news reporter tells you about a story.
More Examples
The documentary offered in-depth coverage of climate change.
The company's social media strategy aims to increase brand coverage.
How It's Used
"The news provided extensive coverage of the event."
"The report offered in-depth coverage of the market."
Financial protection provided by an insurance policy or plan.
/ˈkʌvər/
Financial protection or insurance.
This car insurance provides comprehensive coverage in case of an accident.
💡 Simply: It's like having a superhero shield for your money! *Coverage* is like an insurance plan that protects you from having to pay for unexpected things.
👶 For kids: Being safe from having to pay a lot of money if something bad happens, like your toys breaking.
More Examples
The health plan includes dental coverage.
The company offers coverage for travel-related issues.
How It's Used
"The policy provides coverage for medical expenses."
"The insurance provides liability coverage."
A disguise or a state of concealment or protection, especially in a military context.
/ˈkʌvər/
A disguise or concealment.
The spy lived under deep cover for decades, unknown to his family.
💡 Simply: It's like a secret hideout! *Cover* is like when you are hiding so others don't know who you are or can't see you.
👶 For kids: Hiding to keep safe, like hiding behind a bush.
More Examples
The soldiers took cover behind the wall to avoid the gunfire.
The detective went undercover to investigate the crime ring.
How It's Used
"The spy operated under deep cover for many years."
"The soldiers used the trees for cover during the battle."
Idioms & expressions
under the cover of darkness
Hidden or secretive activities that take place during the night.
"The thieves planned to rob the bank under the cover of darkness."
take cover
Seek shelter or protection from danger or attack.
"The soldiers took cover when the bombs started exploding."
cover a lot of ground
To deal with a lot of subjects or topics in a short time or to travel a long distance.
"The presentation covered a lot of ground, touching on several key areas."
cover your tracks
To hide evidence of what you have done, especially something dishonest or illegal.
"The thief tried to cover his tracks by erasing the security footage."
From Old French covrir, from Latin cooperire 'to cover entirely', from co- (together) + operire 'to cover'.
The word 'cover' has been used since Old English times, with its core meaning remaining consistent.
Memory tip
Think of putting a blanket *over* yourself when you are cold. You *cover* yourself!
Word Origin
"to cover entirely"