What does cover mean?

Definitions for cover
ˈkʌv ərcov·er

Here are all the possible meanings and translations of the word cover.

Princeton's WordNet(5.00 / 1 vote)Rate this definition:

screen, cover, covert, concealment(noun)
a covering that serves to conceal or shelter something
"a screen of trees afforded privacy"; "under cover of darkness"; "the brush provided a covert for game"; "the simplest concealment is to match perfectly the color of the background"
blanket, cover(noun)
bedding that keeps a person warm in bed
"he pulled the covers over his head and went to sleep"
cover, covering, screening, masking(noun)
the act of concealing the existence of something by obstructing the view of it
"the cover concealed their guns from enemy aircraft"
binding, book binding, cover, back(noun)
the protective covering on the front, back, and spine of a book
"the book had a leather binding"
covering, natural covering, cover(noun)
a natural object that covers or envelops
"under a covering of dust"; "the fox was flushed from its cover"
top, cover(noun)
covering for a hole (especially a hole in the top of a container)
"he removed the top of the carton"; "he couldn't get the top off of the bottle"; "put the cover back on the kettle"
cover, covering fire(noun)
fire that makes it difficult for the enemy to fire on your own individuals or formations
"artillery provided covering fire for the withdrawal"
cover charge, cover(noun)
a fixed charge by a restaurant or nightclub over and above the charge for food and drink
cover, cover version, cover song(noun)
a recording of a song that was first recorded or made popular by somebody else
"they made a cover of a Beatles' song"
cover(verb)
a false identity and background (especially one created for an undercover agent)
"her new name and passport are cover for her next assignment"
cover(verb)
provide with a covering or cause to be covered
"cover her face with a handkerchief"; "cover the child with a blanket"; "cover the grave with flowers"
cover, spread over(verb)
form a cover over
"The grass covered the grave"
cover, continue, extend(verb)
span an interval of distance, space or time
"The war extended over five years"; "The period covered the turn of the century"; "My land extends over the hills on the horizon"; "This farm covers some 200 acres"; "The Archipelago continues for another 500 miles"
cover(verb)
provide for
"The grant doesn't cover my salary"
cover, treat, handle, plow, deal, address(verb)
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
"This book deals with incest"; "The course covered all of Western Civilization"; "The new book treats the history of China"
embrace, encompass, comprehend, cover(verb)
include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory
"This group encompasses a wide range of people from different backgrounds"; "this should cover everyone in the group"
traverse, track, cover, cross, pass over, get over, get across, cut through, cut across(verb)
travel across or pass over
"The caravan covered almost 100 miles each day"
report, cover(verb)
be responsible for reporting the details of, as in journalism
"Snow reported on China in the 1950's"; "The cub reporter covered New York City"
cover(verb)
hold within range of an aimed firearm
cover(verb)
to take an action to protect against future problems
"Count the cash in the drawer twice just to cover yourself"
cover, cover up(verb)
hide from view or knowledge
"The President covered the fact that he bugged the offices in the White House"
cover(verb)
protect or defend (a position in a game)
"he covered left field"
cover(verb)
maintain a check on; especially by patrolling
"The second officer covered the top floor"
cover, insure, underwrite(verb)
protect by insurance
"The insurance won't cover this"
cover, compensate, overcompensate(verb)
make up for shortcomings or a feeling of inferiority by exaggerating good qualities
"he is compensating for being a bad father"
cover(verb)
invest with a large or excessive amount of something
"She covered herself with glory"
cover(verb)
help out by taking someone's place and temporarily assuming his responsibilities
"She is covering for our secretary who is ill this week"
cover(verb)
be sufficient to meet, defray, or offset the charge or cost of
"Is this enough to cover the check?"
cover(verb)
spread over a surface to conceal or protect
"This paint covers well"
shroud, enshroud, hide, cover(verb)
cover as if with a shroud
"The origins of this civilization are shrouded in mystery"
breed, cover(verb)
copulate with a female, used especially of horses
"The horse covers the mare"
overlay, cover(verb)
put something on top of something else
"cover the meat with a lot of gravy"
cover(verb)
play a higher card than the one previously played
"Smith covered again"
cover(verb)
be responsible for guarding an opponent in a game
brood, hatch, cover, incubate(verb)
sit on (eggs)
"Birds brood"; "The female covers the eggs"
cover, wrap up(verb)
clothe, as if for protection from the elements
"cover your head!"

Wiktionary(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

cover(Noun)
A lid.
Etymology: coveren, from covrir (Modern couvrir) from coperire from cooperire, from co-, intensive prefix, + operire "to close, cover". Displaced native thecchen and bithecchen (from þeccan, beþeccan), helen (from helan), wreon (from wreon), hodren (from hudren "to cover up").
cover(Noun)
A hiding from view.
Etymology: coveren, from covrir (Modern couvrir) from coperire from cooperire, from co-, intensive prefix, + operire "to close, cover". Displaced native thecchen and bithecchen (from þeccan, beþeccan), helen (from helan), wreon (from wreon), hodren (from hudren "to cover up").
cover(Noun)
A front and back of a book or magazine.
Etymology: coveren, from covrir (Modern couvrir) from coperire from cooperire, from co-, intensive prefix, + operire "to close, cover". Displaced native thecchen and bithecchen (from þeccan, beþeccan), helen (from helan), wreon (from wreon), hodren (from hudren "to cover up").
cover(Noun)
A top sheet of a bed.
Etymology: coveren, from covrir (Modern couvrir) from coperire from cooperire, from co-, intensive prefix, + operire "to close, cover". Displaced native thecchen and bithecchen (from þeccan, beþeccan), helen (from helan), wreon (from wreon), hodren (from hudren "to cover up").
cover(Noun)
A setting at a restaurant table.
We need to set another cover for the Smith party.
Etymology: coveren, from covrir (Modern couvrir) from coperire from cooperire, from co-, intensive prefix, + operire "to close, cover". Displaced native thecchen and bithecchen (from þeccan, beþeccan), helen (from helan), wreon (from wreon), hodren (from hudren "to cover up").
cover(Noun)
A rerecording of a previously recorded song; a cover version; a cover song.
Etymology: coveren, from covrir (Modern couvrir) from coperire from cooperire, from co-, intensive prefix, + operire "to close, cover". Displaced native thecchen and bithecchen (from þeccan, beþeccan), helen (from helan), wreon (from wreon), hodren (from hudren "to cover up").
cover(Noun)
A fielding position on the off side, between point and mid off, about 30° forward of square; a fielder in this position.
Etymology: coveren, from covrir (Modern couvrir) from coperire from cooperire, from co-, intensive prefix, + operire "to close, cover". Displaced native thecchen and bithecchen (from þeccan, beþeccan), helen (from helan), wreon (from wreon), hodren (from hudren "to cover up").
cover(Noun)
A set (more often known as a family) of sets, whose union contains the given set.
The open intervals are a cover for the real numbers.
Etymology: coveren, from covrir (Modern couvrir) from coperire from cooperire, from co-, intensive prefix, + operire "to close, cover". Displaced native thecchen and bithecchen (from þeccan, beþeccan), helen (from helan), wreon (from wreon), hodren (from hudren "to cover up").
cover(Verb)
To place something over or upon, as to conceal or protect.
Etymology: coveren, from covrir (Modern couvrir) from coperire from cooperire, from co-, intensive prefix, + operire "to close, cover". Displaced native thecchen and bithecchen (from þeccan, beþeccan), helen (from helan), wreon (from wreon), hodren (from hudren "to cover up").
cover(Verb)
To be over or upon, as to conceal or protect.
The blanket covered the baby.
Etymology: coveren, from covrir (Modern couvrir) from coperire from cooperire, from co-, intensive prefix, + operire "to close, cover". Displaced native thecchen and bithecchen (from þeccan, beþeccan), helen (from helan), wreon (from wreon), hodren (from hudren "to cover up").
cover(Verb)
To be upon all of, so as to completely conceal.
Regular hexagons can cover the plane.
Etymology: coveren, from covrir (Modern couvrir) from coperire from cooperire, from co-, intensive prefix, + operire "to close, cover". Displaced native thecchen and bithecchen (from þeccan, beþeccan), helen (from helan), wreon (from wreon), hodren (from hudren "to cover up").
cover(Verb)
To set upon all of, so as to completely conceal.
You can cover the plane with regular hexagons.
Etymology: coveren, from covrir (Modern couvrir) from coperire from cooperire, from co-, intensive prefix, + operire "to close, cover". Displaced native thecchen and bithecchen (from þeccan, beþeccan), helen (from helan), wreon (from wreon), hodren (from hudren "to cover up").
cover(Verb)
To discuss thoroughly, to provide good coverage of.
The magazine covers such diverse topics as politics, news from the world of science, and the economy.
Etymology: coveren, from covrir (Modern couvrir) from coperire from cooperire, from co-, intensive prefix, + operire "to close, cover". Displaced native thecchen and bithecchen (from þeccan, beþeccan), helen (from helan), wreon (from wreon), hodren (from hudren "to cover up").
cover(Verb)
To deal with
Etymology: coveren, from covrir (Modern couvrir) from coperire from cooperire, from co-, intensive prefix, + operire "to close, cover". Displaced native thecchen and bithecchen (from þeccan, beþeccan), helen (from helan), wreon (from wreon), hodren (from hudren "to cover up").
cover(Verb)
To be enough money for.
Etymology: coveren, from covrir (Modern couvrir) from coperire from cooperire, from co-, intensive prefix, + operire "to close, cover". Displaced native thecchen and bithecchen (from þeccan, beþeccan), helen (from helan), wreon (from wreon), hodren (from hudren "to cover up").
cover(Verb)
To act as a replacement.
I need to take off Tuesday. Can you cover for me?
Etymology: coveren, from covrir (Modern couvrir) from coperire from cooperire, from co-, intensive prefix, + operire "to close, cover". Displaced native thecchen and bithecchen (from þeccan, beþeccan), helen (from helan), wreon (from wreon), hodren (from hudren "to cover up").
cover(Verb)
To have as an assignment or responsibility.
Etymology: coveren, from covrir (Modern couvrir) from coperire from cooperire, from co-, intensive prefix, + operire "to close, cover". Displaced native thecchen and bithecchen (from þeccan, beþeccan), helen (from helan), wreon (from wreon), hodren (from hudren "to cover up").
cover(Noun)
An envelope complete with stamps and postmarks etc.
Etymology: coveren, from covrir (Modern couvrir) from coperire from cooperire, from co-, intensive prefix, + operire "to close, cover". Displaced native thecchen and bithecchen (from þeccan, beþeccan), helen (from helan), wreon (from wreon), hodren (from hudren "to cover up").
cover(Noun)
A solid object, including terrain, that provides protection from enemy fire.
Etymology: coveren, from covrir (Modern couvrir) from coperire from cooperire, from co-, intensive prefix, + operire "to close, cover". Displaced native thecchen and bithecchen (from þeccan, beþeccan), helen (from helan), wreon (from wreon), hodren (from hudren "to cover up").
cover(Noun)
In commercial law, a buyer's purchase on the open market of goods similar or identical to the goods contracted for after a seller has breached a contract of sale by failure to deliver the goods contracted for.
Etymology: coveren, from covrir (Modern couvrir) from coperire from cooperire, from co-, intensive prefix, + operire "to close, cover". Displaced native thecchen and bithecchen (from þeccan, beþeccan), helen (from helan), wreon (from wreon), hodren (from hudren "to cover up").
cover(Noun)
An insurance contract; coverage by an insurance contract.
Etymology: coveren, from covrir (Modern couvrir) from coperire from cooperire, from co-, intensive prefix, + operire "to close, cover". Displaced native thecchen and bithecchen (from þeccan, beþeccan), helen (from helan), wreon (from wreon), hodren (from hudren "to cover up").
cover(Noun)
A persona maintained by a spy or undercover operative, cover story
Etymology: coveren, from covrir (Modern couvrir) from coperire from cooperire, from co-, intensive prefix, + operire "to close, cover". Displaced native thecchen and bithecchen (from þeccan, beþeccan), helen (from helan), wreon (from wreon), hodren (from hudren "to cover up").
cover(Verb)
To make a cover version of (a song that was originally recorded by another artist).
Etymology: coveren, from covrir (Modern couvrir) from coperire from cooperire, from co-, intensive prefix, + operire "to close, cover". Displaced native thecchen and bithecchen (from þeccan, beþeccan), helen (from helan), wreon (from wreon), hodren (from hudren "to cover up").
cover(Verb)
To protect using an aimed firearm and the threat of firing; or to protect using continuous, heaving fire at or in the direction of the enemy so as to force the enemy to remain in cover; or to threaten using an aimed firearm.
Etymology: coveren, from covrir (Modern couvrir) from coperire from cooperire, from co-, intensive prefix, + operire "to close, cover". Displaced native thecchen and bithecchen (from þeccan, beþeccan), helen (from helan), wreon (from wreon), hodren (from hudren "to cover up").
cover(Verb)
To provide insurance coverage for.
Does my policy cover accidental loss?
Etymology: coveren, from covrir (Modern couvrir) from coperire from cooperire, from co-, intensive prefix, + operire "to close, cover". Displaced native thecchen and bithecchen (from þeccan, beþeccan), helen (from helan), wreon (from wreon), hodren (from hudren "to cover up").
cover(Verb)
To copulate with (said of certain male animals such as dogs and horses).
Etymology: coveren, from covrir (Modern couvrir) from coperire from cooperire, from co-, intensive prefix, + operire "to close, cover". Displaced native thecchen and bithecchen (from þeccan, beþeccan), helen (from helan), wreon (from wreon), hodren (from hudren "to cover up").
cover(Adjective)
Of or pertaining to the front cover of a book or magazine.
Etymology: coveren, from covrir (Modern couvrir) from coperire from cooperire, from co-, intensive prefix, + operire "to close, cover". Displaced native thecchen and bithecchen (from þeccan, beþeccan), helen (from helan), wreon (from wreon), hodren (from hudren "to cover up").
cover(Adjective)
Of, pertaining to, or consisting of cover versions.
Etymology: coveren, from covrir (Modern couvrir) from coperire from cooperire, from co-, intensive prefix, + operire "to close, cover". Displaced native thecchen and bithecchen (from þeccan, beþeccan), helen (from helan), wreon (from wreon), hodren (from hudren "to cover up").

Webster Dictionary(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

Cover(verb)
to overspread the surface of (one thing) with another; as, to cover wood with paint or lacquer; to cover a table with a cloth
Etymology: [Cf. F. couvert.]
Cover(verb)
to envelop; to clothe, as with a mantle or cloak
Etymology: [Cf. F. couvert.]
Cover(verb)
to invest (one's self with something); to bring upon (one's self); as, he covered himself with glory
Etymology: [Cf. F. couvert.]
Cover(verb)
to hide sight; to conceal; to cloak; as, the enemy were covered from our sight by the woods
Etymology: [Cf. F. couvert.]
Cover(verb)
to brood or sit on; to incubate
Etymology: [Cf. F. couvert.]
Cover(verb)
to shelter, as from evil or danger; to protect; to defend; as, the cavalry covered the retreat
Etymology: [Cf. F. couvert.]
Cover(verb)
to remove from remembrance; to put away; to remit
Etymology: [Cf. F. couvert.]
Cover(verb)
to extend over; to be sufficient for; to comprehend, include, or embrace; to account for or solve; to counterbalance; as, a mortgage which fully covers a sum loaned on it; a law which covers all possible cases of a crime; receipts than do not cover expenses
Etymology: [Cf. F. couvert.]
Cover(verb)
to put the usual covering or headdress on
Etymology: [Cf. F. couvert.]
Cover(verb)
to copulate with (a female); to serve; as, a horse covers a mare; -- said of the male
Etymology: [Cf. F. couvert.]
Cover(noun)
anything which is laid, set, or spread, upon, about, or over, another thing; an envelope; a lid; as, the cover of a book
Etymology: [Cf. F. couvert.]
Cover(noun)
anything which veils or conceals; a screen; disguise; a cloak
Etymology: [Cf. F. couvert.]
Cover(noun)
shelter; protection; as, the troops fought under cover of the batteries; the woods afforded a good cover
Etymology: [Cf. F. couvert.]
Cover(noun)
the woods, underbrush, etc., which shelter and conceal game; covert; as, to beat a cover; to ride to cover
Etymology: [Cf. F. couvert.]
Cover(noun)
the lap of a slide valve
Etymology: [Cf. F. couvert.]
Cover(noun)
a tablecloth, and the other table furniture; esp., the table furniture for the use of one person at a meal; as, covers were laid for fifty guests
Etymology: [Cf. F. couvert.]
Cover(verb)
to spread a table for a meal; to prepare a banquet
Etymology: [Cf. F. couvert.]

Freebase(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

Cover
In philately, the term cover pertains to the outside of an envelope or package with an address, typically with postage stamps that have been cancelled and is a term generally used among stamp and postal history collectors. The term does not include the contents of the letter or package, although they may add interest to the item if still present. Cover collecting plays an important role in postal history as many covers bear stamps, postmarks and other markings along with names and addresses all of which help to place a cover at a given time and place in history.

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

Cover
kuv′ėr, v.t. to hide: to clothe: to extend over: to brood or sit on: to be sufficient for: to protect: to table a coin of equal value in wagering: to copulate with—esp. of a stallion: to screen: to aim directly at.—v.i. to spread over so as to conceal something: to lay a table for a meal: to put one's hat on.—n. that which protects: undergrowth, thicket, concealing game, &c.: the table requisites for one person—plate, knife, fork, napkin, &c.: deceitfulness: a swindler's confederate.—adj. Cov′ered, intended or used for shelter or concealment: roofed over: with the hat on.—ns. Cover′ed-way; Cov′ert-way (fort.), a path about thirty feet wide outside the ditch of a fort, and so far sunk below the crest of the glacis as to afford cover or shelter to the soldiers; Cover′ing, anything that covers.—adj. Cov′ert, covered: concealed: secret.—n. a place that covers or affords protection.—ns. Cov′ert-coat, a short light overcoat; Cov′ert-coat′ing, cloth for such.—adv. Cov′ertly, in a covered or concealed manner.—n. Cov′erture, covering, shelter: (law) the condition of a married woman as legally under the protection of her husband.—Cover into, to transfer into; Cover shorts, to buy in such stocks as have been sold short, in order to meet one's engagements, &c.; Cover the buckle, to execute a difficult step in dancing. [Fr. couvrir (It. coprire)—L. co-operīre—con, and operīre, to cover.]

Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

cover
1. The action by land, air, or sea forces to protect by offense, defense, or threat of either or both. 2. Those measures necessary to give protection to a person, plan, operation, formation, or installation from the enemy intelligence effort and leakage of information. 3. The act of maintaining a continuous receiver watch with transmitter calibrated and available, but not necessarily available for immediate use. 4. Shelter or protection, either natural or artificial. 5. (DOD only) Photographs or other recorded images which show a particular area of ground. 6. (DOD only) A code meaning,

Dictionary of Nautical Terms(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

cover
Security from attack or interruption, as under cover of the ship's guns, under cover of the parapet. In the field exercise and drill of troops, one body is said to cover another exactly in rear of it. Covers for sails when furled (to protect them from the weather when loosing and airing them is precluded), are made of strong canvas painted.

Military Dictionary and Gazetteer(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

cover
Natural or artificial protection from the fire of the enemy, the former being afforded by hills, woods, banks, walls, etc., the latter by fortifications constructed for the purpose. To cover is, in military language, to stand exactly behind another man.

British National Corpus

Spoken Corpus Frequency
Rank popularity for the word 'cover' in Spoken Corpus Frequency: #1702
Written Corpus Frequency
Rank popularity for the word 'cover' in Written Corpus Frequency: #1278
Nouns Frequency
Rank popularity for the word 'cover' in Nouns Frequency: #833
Verbs Frequency
Rank popularity for the word 'cover' in Verbs Frequency: #121

How to pronounce cover?

Alex
US English
Daniel
British
Karen
Australian
Veena
Indian

How to say cover in sign language?

Numerology

Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of cover in Chaldean Numerology is: 5
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of cover in Pythagorean Numerology is: 9

Examples of cover in a Sentence

Gib Brogan:
They provide shelter and cover and they are the subject of an emerging field of biomedical research.
Michael Matousek:
This rally took a lot of people by surprise. A lot of people were anticipating the last half of the day would roll over and fall off and that hasn't happened. You could see the buying accelerating at mid-day and people saying I'm wrong and starting to cover their shorts, you have the shorter-term guys moving the market.
Chuck Schumer:
Of course he wants to move on. He wants to cover up.
Andrew Walmsley:
It's not enough to cover all of agriculture, but we see it as a first step, we expect there will be more aid going forward.
Ezra Levant:
It’s a disgrace that he is on the cover of a mainstream news magazine, being portrayed as a victim, and in the company of two real victims, including a victim of Islamic terrorism.