cover
cover — verb
1. to put one thing on top of another, so that the thing underneath is hidden, prot
to put one thing on top of another, so that the thing underneath is hidden, protected, or made to look different
Sayaka covered the table with a white cloth before dinner.
cover + object + with + noun phrase
Snow covered the garden after the storm passed through the night.
inanimate subject covering a surface
The old wooden chair was covered in a thick layer of dust.
passive: be covered in + layer/noun
Bilal covered his face with both hands when he heard the news.
cover + body part + with + object
A warm blanket covered the baby from head to toe.
- cover with a cloth
- cover with a blanket
- covered in dust
- covered with snow
- cover one's face
Grammar Patterns
cover + object + with + noun phrase
be covered with/in + noun phrase
Usage Note
Often used in the passive form to describe the state of a surface: 'The road was covered with ice.'
Common Mistakes
2. to include or deal with a particular subject, area, or range of things in a disc
to include or deal with a particular subject, area, or range of things in a discussion, book, course, or activity
The history course covers events from the Roman Empire to the present day.
subject (course/book) + covers + range of topics
Does your travel insurance cover medical expenses while you are abroad?
insurance + covers + costs/expenses
The meeting will cover the new safety rules and the changes to working hours.
This chapter covers the basic grammar points that every beginner should know.
subject (chapter/section) + covers + content
The training programme covers everything from customer service to store management.
- cover a topic
- cover a subject
- cover an area
- cover the cost
- cover the basics
Grammar Patterns
cover + noun phrase (topic/area)
Usage Note
The object is typically a broad topic, area, or set of items rather than a single point. To talk about a single detail, use 'include' or 'address' instead.
Common Mistakes
3. to give an account of an important event for a newspaper, TV broadcast, or other
to give an account of an important event for a newspaper, TV broadcast, or other news organisation
Sahil covered the earthquake for a local news channel.
reporter + covers + event for + outlet
The journalist was sent to cover the election campaign in Brazil.
Several newspapers covered the story about the new hospital opening.
publication + covers + story
Two international news teams are covering the climate summit this week.
- cover an event
- cover a story
- cover a campaign
- cover a summit
- cover the election
- report on
slightly more formal; phrasal verb
- broadcast
specifically for TV or radio
- write about
more general; used for any written coverage
Grammar Patterns
cover + noun phrase (event/story)
Usage Note
Used primarily in journalism contexts. The subject can be a person (reporter) or an organisation (newspaper, TV station). The object is an event, campaign, or story.
Common Mistakes
4. to provide financial protection through an insurance policy, so that money is pa
to provide financial protection through an insurance policy, so that money is paid if something bad happens, such as an accident, injury, loss, or theft
The policy covers you against fire damage and flooding.
cover + object + against + risk
Does your car insurance cover the cost of a rental car after an accident?
Rin's travel insurance covered all the medical bills from her hospital stay.
subject (insurance) + covers + costs
Our home insurance does not cover damage caused by floods.
- cover against loss
- cover against theft
- cover damage
- cover medical costs
- insurance covers
- exclude
to state that something is not protected by the policy
Grammar Patterns
cover + object + against/for + risk
Usage Note
The subject is the insurance policy or company. The object is the person or item protected, or the costs covered. 'Against' introduces the risk; 'for' introduces the cost or item.
Common Mistakes
5. to do something beforehand so that you will not be held responsible if questions
to do something beforehand so that you will not be held responsible if questions or problems arise later
Make sure you cover yourself by getting written approval from the manager.
reflexive: cover yourself + by + action
The lawyer told her to cover herself against any future complaints.
cover oneself + against + risk
Lauren kept copies of all the emails to cover herself in case of a dispute.
The company covered itself by including a warning on the product label.
company/institution + covers itself + by + action
- cover yourself against
- cover yourself for
- cover yourself by
- cover yourself with documentation
- protect yourself
broader meaning; not limited to blame or legal risk
- safeguard
more formal; implies careful planning ahead
Grammar Patterns
cover + oneself + against/for + noun phrase
Usage Note
Almost always used reflexively (cover yourself / cover oneself / cover themselves). The preposition 'against' introduces the potential problem, while 'by' or 'with' introduces the protective action taken.
Common Mistakes
6. to go over a specific length or span of ground, especially a noteworthy or consi
to go over a specific length or span of ground, especially a noteworthy or considerable amount
Mauricio covered over eight hundred kilometres on his bicycle trip.
cover + distance (specific number + unit)
The runners covered the first ten miles in under an hour.
Each day the team covered about thirty kilometres through the forest.
cover + about/approximately + distance
The car can cover four hundred kilometres on a single tank of fuel.
vehicle + can cover + distance + on + resource
- cover a distance
- cover ground
- cover miles
- cover kilometres
- cover the distance in
Grammar Patterns
cover + distance/ground/miles/kilometres
Usage Note
The object is always a distance (miles, kilometres, metres). The subject is typically a person travelling, a vehicle, or a group of people. Often used with 'in' to describe time taken.
Common Mistakes
7. if an amount of money covers a cost or expense, there is enough of it to pay for
if an amount of money covers a cost or expense, there is enough of it to pay for that thing
The scholarship money covers João's tuition fees for the whole academic year.
cover + [cost] + for + [duration]
Does your travel insurance cover medical expenses if you fall ill abroad?
question: does [insurance] cover [expenses]?
The £500 deposit should cover any damage to the rented apartment.
cover + any + [damage/cost]
Roya's salary barely covers her rent and bills each month.
barely cover + [essential costs]
The charity needs another £2,000 to cover the cost of the new equipment.
- cover the cost
- cover expenses
- cover the bill
- cover a fee
- exceed
to be more than what is available
Grammar Patterns
cover + [cost/expense]
Usage Note
Often used with nouns for costs, expenses, or financial obligations. The subject is typically money, a budget, a fund, or an insurance policy.
8. to protect someone by shooting at an enemy so that the protected person can move
to protect someone by shooting at an enemy so that the protected person can move to safety or advance
The soldiers shouted for Élise to cover them while they ran across the open field.
cover + [person] + while + [action]
Two snipers on the roof covered the rescue team as they pulled survivors from the building.
The officer covered the witness while the others escorted him to the armoured vehicle.
cover + [person] + while + [others do something]
In the exercise, the squad used smoke grenades to cover their retreat across the bridge.
cover + [retreat/advance/escalation]
- cover someone's escape
- cover a retreat
- cover an advance
- cover the team
Grammar Patterns
cover + [person fleeing/danger zone]
Usage Note
Frequently used in military and law-enforcement contexts. The object is usually a person or group that is moving and needs protection from attack.
9. when soldiers, police, or security personnel cover a location, they position the
when soldiers, police, or security personnel cover a location, they position themselves there to watch for danger and defend it from attack
The regiment was ordered to cover the main road leading into the city.
cover + [road/bridge/entrance]
Four police units were sent to cover every entrance to the government building.
cover + every + [entrance/exit]
The soldiers covered the marketplace from a tower with clear sightlines in all directions.
During the operation, the squad covered the eastern perimeter to prevent any hostile approach.
cover + [perimeter/area] + to prevent + [danger]
- cover a road
- cover a building
- cover an entrance
- cover a perimeter
- guard
stay close to something to protect it
- patrol
move through an area watching for trouble
- watch over
keep under observation for safety
Grammar Patterns
cover + [place/area]
Usage Note
The object is typically a geographical area, road, building, or entrance — not a person. Distinguish from sense 8 (COVERING FIRE), where the object is a person needing protection during movement.
10. in sports, to stay close to an opposing player so as to prevent them from receiv
in sports, to stay close to an opposing player so as to prevent them from receiving the ball, passing it, or scoring
Mizuki covered the opposing team's best striker so tightly that the player could not control a single pass.
cover + [player] + so + [adverb] + that + [result]
The coach told Brian to cover the tall player near the basket at all times.
cover + [player] + near + [area]
A good defender knows when to cover an opponent and when to hold position instead.
Leo covered the winger so well that the other team stopped passing to him.
cover + [player] + so well that + [result]
- cover a player
- cover the striker
- cover a runner
- cover the wing
Grammar Patterns
cover + [opponent player]
Usage Note
Used mainly in team ball sports such as football, basketball, rugby, and hockey. The object is always a player of the opposing team.
11. to do the work that a colleague or team member normally does, because they are t
to do the work that a colleague or team member normally does, because they are temporarily away or unable to do it
Faisal covered for his colleague while she was on maternity leave.
cover for + [person]
Can you cover the morning shift for me tomorrow? I have a doctor's appointment.
cover + [shift/class/route]
The assistant manager covered the reception desk when the receptionist called in sick.
Two nurses from the next ward covered the extra work when their teammate went on holiday.
cover + [workload/duties/responsibilities]
- cover for someone
- cover a shift
- cover a class
- cover the desk
- fill in for
informal; common in spoken English
- stand in for
temporary replacement
- substitute for
more formal; used in professional contexts
Grammar Patterns
cover for + [person]
cover + [shift/duty]
Usage Note
When used intransitively, the preposition 'for' introduces the person being replaced. When used transitively, the object is the duty, shift, or position — not the person.
Common Mistakes
12. to sing or play a piece of music and record it in your own style, after another
to sing or play a piece of music and record it in your own style, after another artist originally released and popularised it
The band covered a 1970s rock classic and turned it into a dance hit.
cover + [genre] + song from + [decade]
Sirin covered a folk tune her grandmother used to sing, adding a modern pop arrangement.
Many young singers cover popular songs and share their versions on social media platforms.
cover + [popular songs] + and share + [on platform]
The choir covered a famous pop ballad and performed it at the charity concert.
cover + [song type] + and perform + [where]
- cover a song
- cover a tune
- cover a classic
- do a cover of
more colloquial; used as a noun phrase
- reimagine
implies a significantly different arrangement
- reinterpret
formal; emphasises creative transformation
Grammar Patterns
cover + [song/tune]
Usage Note
The object of the verb is the song itself, not the original artist. A band covers a song 'by' another artist.
cover in
phrasal verbTo completely cover something or someone with a substance.
The children covered themselves in mud after playing outside.
She covered the cake in chocolate frosting.
cover over
phrasal verbTo put something on top of something else to hide or protect it.
He covered over the stain with a rug.
The snow covered over the grass in the garden.
cover up
phrasal verbTo hide something wrong or embarrassing from being known.
The company tried to cover up the safety violation.
Why did you cover up the mistake instead of reporting it?
cover yourself up
phrasal verbTo put clothing or a blanket over your body to keep warm or hide it.
Cover yourself up with a blanket if you feel cold.
She covered herself up with a towel after swimming.
cover all the bases
idiomTo prepare for every possible situation or need.
Before the trip, Maya checked the weather and packed for rain to cover all the bases.
Did the team cover all the bases when planning the event?
cover your back
idiomTo take actions to protect yourself from future blame or criticism.
Sara always saves her emails to cover her back in case of disputes.
You should document everything to cover your back.
To hide problems or flaws, making things seem better than they are.
A fresh coat of paint can cover a multitude of sins on old walls.
His cheerful smile hides a multitude of sins.
cover your tracks
idiomTo hide evidence of your actions to avoid being discovered.
The thief wiped his fingerprints to cover his tracks.
Did the hacker cover his tracks after breaking into the system?
cover — noun
1. a thing that is placed on top of or around an object to protect it, keep somethi
a thing that is placed on top of or around an object to protect it, keep something inside it, or hide it from view.
Yan put a plastic cover over the sofa to keep it clean.
collocation: put a cover over [sth]
The ground crew removed the heavy cover from the engine before takeoff.
verb + cover: remove the cover
Heloísa bought a waterproof cover for her bicycle seat.
A metal cover on the chimney stops birds from nesting inside.
- plastic cover
- protective cover
- waterproof cover
- remove the cover
- put a cover on
- cover over
- cover for
Usage Note
Frequently paired with a preposition phrase starting with for or over that specifies the object being protected.
Common Mistakes
2. the firm outer casing found on publications such as books and magazines, protect
the firm outer casing found on publications such as books and magazines, protecting the pages inside and often printed with the title and author.
The cover of the magazine showed a photograph of a mountain lake.
collocation: the cover of [magazine/book]
Christopher judged the book by its colourful cover and was pleasantly surprised.
The hardback cover of the encyclopedia has a gold-embossed title on the front.
Otis designed a new cover for the company's annual report.
collocation: design a cover for [sth]
Please do not fold the cover of the library books when you carry them.
- book cover
- magazine cover
- front cover
- back cover
- cover design
- cover image
- cover illustration
Usage Note
Don't confuse with 'cover page', which refers to the first printed page inside a document rather than the physical outer layer.
Common Mistakes
3. the experience of reading a book, magazine, or document from the first page to t
the experience of reading a book, magazine, or document from the first page to the last page; used in the fixed phrase 'from cover to cover' or 'cover to cover'.
Élise read the whole novel from cover to cover in a single weekend.
fixed phrase: from cover to cover
The report is quite long, but I read it from cover to cover this morning.
Joshua found the mystery so gripping that he read it from cover to cover.
Most people skim manuals, but Tariro read hers from cover to cover.
- from cover to cover
- read from cover to cover
Usage Note
This sense is almost always used in the fixed phrase 'from cover to cover' (or 'cover to cover'). It cannot be used on its own as a standalone noun.
Common Mistakes
4. a folded paper container with a sealable flap, used for enclosing a letter or do
a folded paper container with a sealable flap, used for enclosing a letter or document for postal delivery.
Yael put the signed contract into a brown cover and sealed it with tape.
collocation: put [sth] into a cover
The cover of the wedding invitation had the couple's names printed on the front.
Kabir addressed the cover carefully and attached a first-class stamp.
Emre found an old cover with a handwritten letter inside his grandmother's drawer.
- under cover
- brown cover
- address a cover
- seal a cover
Usage Note
This sense is chiefly British. In American English, 'envelope' is far more common than 'cover' for this meaning. 'Cover' in this sense appears mainly in postal or formal contexts.
Common Mistakes
5. a method of sending mail in an envelope without any company logo, return address
a method of sending mail in an envelope without any company logo, return address markings, or other identifying features; used in the fixed phrase 'under plain cover'.
The confidential documents were sent under plain cover to protect the sender's identity.
fixed phrase: under plain cover
Putri requested that the payment be mailed under plain cover for privacy reasons.
Any materials marked as private should arrive under plain cover to avoid unwanted attention.
The charity sends all its donation receipts under plain cover to protect donors' privacy.
- under plain cover
- send under plain cover
- mail under plain cover
Usage Note
Used exclusively in the formal fixed phrase 'under plain cover'. Cannot be used as a standalone countable noun. Common in official correspondence and publishing contexts.
Common Mistakes
6. a method of sending something in a different envelope from another item; used in
a method of sending something in a different envelope from another item; used in the fixed phrase 'under separate cover'.
The photographs will arrive under separate cover within the next seven days.
fixed phrase: under separate cover
We are sending the signed invoice under separate cover today by registered post.
Soraya mailed the original documents under separate cover to make sure they arrived safely.
The catalogue and the price list were dispatched under separate cover to different offices.
- under separate cover
- send under separate cover
- dispatch under separate cover
Usage Note
Used exclusively in the formal fixed phrase 'under separate cover'. Indicates that two items are being sent in different mailings. Common in business correspondence.
Common Mistakes
7. the sheets, blankets, or other fabric items that keep a person warm or comfortab
the sheets, blankets, or other fabric items that keep a person warm or comfortable on a bed
Tuan pulled the covers up to his chin when the room grew cold.
collocation: pull the covers up
The hotel bed had soft white covers and four large pillows.
Every morning Nora folds her covers neatly before leaving for school.
collocation: fold the covers
A set of clean covers was placed on the guest bed by the maid.
passive: covers were placed
- pull the covers
- fold the covers
- clean covers
- soft covers
- bedding
broader term that includes sheets, blankets, and pillowcases; more formal
- blankets
specifically thick fabric covers for warmth, not sheets
- bedclothes
UK English term for all bed fabric items; slightly formal
Grammar Patterns
the cover / a cover
Usage Note
Usually used in the plural form 'covers' rather than 'cover' when referring to bedding. The singular 'cover' is rare for this sense.
Common Mistakes
8. a place, structure, or natural feature that keeps you safe from bad weather, att
a place, structure, or natural feature that keeps you safe from bad weather, attack, or danger
The hikers found cover under a large rock when the storm began.
collocation: find cover under + noun
Soldiers ran for cover as the enemy planes flew overhead.
collocation: run for cover
Élise took cover behind a tree while the rain poured down.
collocation: take cover behind + noun
Without any cover in the open field, the group felt completely exposed.
Birds flew into the bushes looking for cover from the strong wind.
collocation: cover from + wind/rain/danger
- take cover
- find cover
- run for cover
- cover from the rain
- under cover
- seek cover
- shelter
more general; can be a building or structure, while 'cover' often implies natural or improvised protection
- protection
broader meaning; not limited to physical places
- refuge
more formal; implies a safe place from danger or pursuit
- exposure
the state of being unprotected from danger or weather
Grammar Patterns
cover from + noun
under cover
Usage Note
This sense is uncountable — you cannot say 'a cover' when referring to shelter. Common in phrases like 'take cover', 'find cover', 'under cover', and 'cover from [danger]'. The military sense (taking cover from enemy fire) is very frequent in news and action contexts.
Common Mistakes
9. bushes, trees, rocks, or other natural features where wild animals hide, sleep,
bushes, trees, rocks, or other natural features where wild animals hide, sleep, or stay safe from hunters or other animals
Rabbits need thick bushes for cover from foxes and other hunters.
collocation: cover from + predators
The deer disappeared into the cover of the forest at the sound of a car.
Birds build their nests in dense cover to keep their eggs safe from sight.
collocation: dense cover
Hunters waited near the edge of the woods where animals had good cover.
- dense cover
- thick cover
- cover from predators
- natural cover
- cover of the forest
- vegetation
more scientific; refers specifically to plant cover, not rocks or other features
- undergrowth
specifically low plants and bushes; more precise for ground-level animal cover
- open ground
an area without hiding places for animals
Grammar Patterns
cover for + animal
Usage Note
Common in nature and hunting contexts. Often preceded by adjectives like 'thick', 'dense', 'good', 'natural'. Uncountable — do not use 'a cover' for this meaning.
10. the act of shooting at an enemy so that your own soldiers can move safely withou
the act of shooting at an enemy so that your own soldiers can move safely without being attacked
The unit provided cover fire while the wounded soldier was pulled to safety.
collocation: provide cover fire
Bilal called for cover as his team moved across the open road.
Two soldiers stayed behind to give cover while the rest escaped through the forest.
collocation: give cover
Without air cover, the ground troops were at serious risk of attack.
collocation: air cover
- provide cover
- give cover
- air cover
- cover fire
- need cover
- call for cover
- cover fire
more explicit; specifies that the protection comes from shooting
- backup
broader; can mean any kind of support, not just shooting
Grammar Patterns
provide cover
cover fire
Usage Note
Uncountable. Frequently used in military and action contexts. 'Cover fire' is a common compound noun but 'cover' alone carries this meaning in phrases like 'provide cover', 'give cover', 'need cover'. 'Air cover' refers specifically to protection from aircraft.
11. an agreement with an insurance company that pays you a certain amount of money w
an agreement with an insurance company that pays you a certain amount of money when a particular accident, illness, or loss occurs
The policy offers full cover for fire and flood damage to the house.
collocation: full cover for + damage
Camila checked whether her travel insurance gave medical cover abroad.
collocation: medical cover
Drivers need basic cover before they can use a car on public roads.
collocation: basic cover
The company offers cover against loss of income during long illness.
collocation: cover against + noun
Without adequate cover, a single accident could cost you a large amount of money.
- full cover
- basic cover
- medical cover
- insurance cover
- cover against loss
- provide cover
- coverage
more common in American English; has the same meaning but is preferred in US insurance contexts
- insurance
broader term; 'insurance' is the industry/product, while 'cover' is specifically the protection provided
- protection
more general; can refer to non-financial safety as well
- exclusion
something that is not covered by an insurance policy
Grammar Patterns
cover for + noun
cover against + noun
Usage Note
Uncountable — do not say 'a cover' for this sense. Common in compound phrases like 'medical cover', 'insurance cover', 'full cover', 'basic cover'. In American English, 'coverage' is often preferred over 'cover' for this sense.
Common Mistakes
12. a version of a musical work that a musician records after it was first made popu
a version of a musical work that a musician records after it was first made popular by someone else
The band played a cover of an old Beatles song at the concert last night.
collocation: a cover of + song title
Trang uploaded a cover of her favourite pop song to the internet.
Many new artists start their careers by recording covers of famous hits.
collocation: record a cover
His cover of the classic tune became more popular than the original version.
- a cover of
- record a cover
- play a cover
- cover band
- cover version
- cover version
slightly longer form of the same meaning; very common in music journalism
- remake
broader; can apply to films or other media, not just songs
- rendition
formal; any performance or interpretation, not necessarily of a previously recorded song
- original
the first version of a song, performed by the original artist
Grammar Patterns
a cover of + song
Usage Note
Countable — 'a cover', 'covers'. Often followed by 'of' to name the original song. A 'cover version' means the same thing. This sense is very common in music discussions and streaming platform descriptions.
Common Mistakes
13. in cricket, the spot where a fielder stands on the off-side of the pitch, close
in cricket, the spot where a fielder stands on the off-side of the pitch, close to the batter, to catch or stop balls hit in that direction
The captain asked Anong to stand at cover and watch for quick drives.
collocation: stand at cover / field at cover
Kemi made a diving stop at cover and saved four runs for her team.
A good fielder at cover needs fast hands and a strong throwing arm.
Defne was moved from cover to mid-wicket after she dropped a simple catch.
collocation: be moved from/to cover
- at cover
- stand at cover
- field at cover
- cover fielder
- move from cover
- cover point
Grammar Patterns
cover used without article in phrases like 'at cover' and 'field at cover'
Usage Note
In cricket discussion and commentary, 'cover' for this sense typically appears without an article — players field 'at cover' and are positioned 'in the cover region.'
14. in cricket, the wide stretch of field on the off-side, from near the wicket out
in cricket, the wide stretch of field on the off-side, from near the wicket out toward the boundary, where batters send drives and cut shots
Devika hit the ball through the cover area for a quick two runs.
collocation: through the cover area / region
Most of the runs came from drives that passed through the cover region.
Lucía hit the ball into a gap at cover for a quick run.
Adina fielded well on the boundary, but the real danger was in the cover zone.
collocation: the cover zone / region
- through cover
- cover area
- cover region
- cover zone
- gap at cover
- the cover
Grammar Patterns
cover used with 'the' in phrases like 'through the cover area', 'the cover region'
Usage Note
Often appears in phrases like 'through cover' or 'the cover region' to describe where the ball travels after being hit.
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: verb/1
COVER, HIDE, and CONCEAL all describe keeping something from being seen or known. COVER (verb/1, PLACE OVER) is the most neutral and concrete — you physically put something on top or spread a layer over an object ('Snow covered the garden'). HIDE is more intentional and often implies putting something out of sight completely, not just covering it ('She hid the gift in a drawer'). CONCEAL is more formal than hide and often suggests deliberate deception ('He concealed his true identity'). WRAP specifically means to fold a material around an object on all sides, not just lay it on top ('She wrapped the sandwich in foil'). In everyday speech, COVER is the broadest: you can cover a pot with a lid, cover a topic in a lecture, or cover a distance by car. HIDE and CONCEAL add the nuance of secrecy or safe-keeping that COVER alone does not carry.
Common collocations
Etymology
The English word 'cover' comes from Old French 'covrir' (to cover), which came from Latin 'cooperire' — a combination of 'co-' (altogether, completely) and 'operire' (to close, shut, cover). The original Latin sense was 'to close completely, to cover over entirely'. The word entered Middle English around the 1200s, first in the physical sense of putting one thing over another. By the 1300s, it had already developed figurative senses like 'to protect' or 'to hide'. The musical sense (verb/12, noun/12 — recording a song first made popular by another artist) appeared in the mid-20th century.