Covey
/ˈkʌvi/
Definitions
2 meaningsA small group or flock of birds, especially game birds such as quail, partridge, or grouse.
/ˈkʌvi/
A small flock of birds, especially game birds.
The farmer was pleased to see a covey of quail foraging in his field.
💡 Simply: Imagine a bunch of little birds, like quail, all hanging out together. That group is called a covey. It's like a small, feathered party!
👶 For kids: A covey is a group of birds like quail or partridge.
More Examples
The hunting dog pointed to the covey of partridges hidden in the tall grass.
As we walked through the woods, a covey of birds suddenly flew up from the ground, startling us.
How It's Used
"The hunters spotted a covey of quail in the field."
"The poem described a covey of doves taking flight at dawn."
A small, informal group of people, often friends or acquaintances. This usage is less common than the bird definition.
/ˈkʌvi/
A small group of people.
A covey of students were discussing the new movie.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, people use 'covey' to talk about a small, close-knit group of friends, like a cozy hangout spot.
👶 For kids: Sometimes, a covey can be a small group of people, like friends.
More Examples
She often met with a covey of writers at the local cafe.
I saw a covey of my relatives at the reunion.
How It's Used
"A covey of friends gathered at the coffee shop."
From Old French *covee*, meaning "brood of birds," derived from *cove*, meaning "to sit or brood." The term evolved to refer to a small flock or group of birds, particularly game birds.
Used frequently in 19th-century literature, often to describe scenes of rural life and hunting. Its usage has become less common in modern prose.
Memory tip
Think of a group of cute quails! Covey = quail-vey