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cover
/ˈkʌv.ər/
to place something over another
She used a blanket to cover the sleeping baby.
She placed a blanket over the baby to keep them warm.
general
to place something over or on top of something else to protect or hide it
Please cover the pot while it's boiling.
Keep the lid on the pot to prevent spills.
Can be physical (e.g., 'cover a wound') or metaphorical (e.g., 'cover a story').
general
to include or deal with a subject or topic
The book covers all aspects of medieval history.
The book includes information about every part of medieval history.
Common in academic and media contexts.
general
to travel a specified distance
The taxi driver covers 50 miles per day.
The taxi driver drives a total of 50 miles each day.
Often used in transportation or logistics.
general
a protective layer or casing
The book has a plastic cover to protect the pages.
The book's protective outer layer is made of plastic.
Can refer to physical objects (e.g., book cover) or abstract protection (e.g., 'insurance cover').
journalism
to report on an event or topic for news media
The journalist will cover the election results tonight.
The journalist will report on the election results during the broadcast.
Requires active participation in documenting or broadcasting.
Collocations
cover upto hide or conceal somethingcover for someoneto take responsibility for someone else's absence or mistakecover the costto pay for somethingunder coversecretly or disguisedcover lettera letter sent with a resume to apply for a job
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Mastering 'cover' in different contexts
Pay attention to whether 'cover' is used as a verb (action) or noun (object). The prepositions that follow it often change meaning: 'cover in' (apply a layer), 'cover for' (substitute), 'cover up' (conceal).
Gold Rule
Physical vs. Metaphorical Use
When 'cover' refers to physical action (e.g., 'cover a chair'), it implies direct contact. When used metaphorically (e.g., 'cover a story'), it implies responsibility or inclusion.
Word Origin
From Old English 'cobor' (a covering), related to Old Norse 'kofa' (hut). The verb sense of 'to place over' emerged in Middle English.
Usage Notes
As a verb, 'cover' can take direct objects (e.g., 'cover the table') or be used reflexively (e.g., 'the wound needs to be covered'). The noun form often refers to a protective layer, such as a book cover or insurance cover.
Word Breakdown
cover
protective layer or casing
rootover
above or across
prepositionEnglish Dictionary