The Open Dictionary

cover

noun

UK/ˈkʌv.əʳ/
US/ˈkʌv.ɚ/

Definitions of cover noun

protection

  1. B1Countable

    An object that is placed over or on top of something else, typically to protect it or keep something contained.

    • I placed a plastic protector over the computer printer.

    • Before microwaving, take off the packaging and make holes in the plastic film.

    • Put the cover on the pot and let the soup boil.

  2. B1Countable

    The outer, usually stiff, part of a book or magazine, often made of thicker paper or cardboard.

    • Who should be featured on the front of the magazine this month?

    • Soft covers are used for paperback books.

    • His design for the cover was simple yet eye-catching.

  3. Countable

    An envelope.

  4. C1Uncountable

    A place or position that provides protection or shelter from danger or unpleasant conditions.

    • We sought shelter from the severe storm at the bus stop.

    • The thief entered the house under the shield of night.

    • The soldiers sought cover to avoid the enemy fire.

  5. Uncountable

    Plants, such as bushes, used by animals for shelter or protection.

  6. Uncountable

    The act of providing protection, especially with a gun, for someone.

    • We needed better protection from the enemy aircraft.

    • The sniper provided cover for the team to safely pass through.

  7. C1Uncountable

    Financial protection that provides compensation for loss, damage, or other adverse events.

    • I have insurance coverage of £20,000 for my household belongings.

    • Are you insured for accidental damages?

    • This insurance plan includes coverage for medical expenses and travel delays.

music

  1. Countable

    A new recording or performance of a song that was originally recorded by someone else.

    • How many different versions of the song "My Way" have been recorded?

    • They recorded a brilliant cover version of a classic song.

    • The singer is known for her unique cover versions.

Phrases of cover noun

  • covers

    The blankets, sheets, and other items used to cover a bed.

    • Feeling cold, she pulled the covers up to her neck.

  • read something from cover to cover

    To read a publication in its entirety, from the first page to the last.

    • I like to stay in bed on weekend mornings and read the newspaper from cover to cover.

verb

UK/ˈkʌv.əʳ/
US/ˈkʌv.ɚ/

Definitions of cover verb

place

  1. A2Transitive

    To put or spread something over or on top of something else, often so that it is no longer visible.

    • The light was too bright, so I had to shield my eyes.

    • The hillsides were blanketed with snow.

    • She put a blanket over him.

include

  1. B1Transitive

    To include, deal with, or relate to a particular topic or range of subjects.

    • This leaflet provides more detailed information on the issues we just discussed.

    • Do these parking rules apply to both residents and visitors?

    • The sales representative's business territory includes the entire southeast region.

report

  1. C1Transitive

    To report on a significant event or topic for the news.

    • She is reporting on the American elections for BBC television.

    • Reporters were sent to cover the conflict in the region.

protect

  1. C1Transitive

    To provide financial protection or insurance against potential losses or damages.

    • Does your travel insurance protect you from the loss or theft of cash?

    • The company offers coverage for medical expenses and dental care.

  2. Transitive

    To aim a gun at someone to stop them from shooting or escaping, or to protect another person.

    • The officer ran towards the gunman's location while being protected by her colleagues.

    • They moved to safety under the cover of their teammates.

  3. Transitive

    To guard or protect a place, such as a road or building, to prevent access or escape.

    • All the exits are blocked, so they cannot get away.

    • Troops were deployed to cover all the roads into the town.

travel

  1. B2Transitive

    To travel a certain distance or route.

    • We traveled 400 kilometers in three hours.

    • We cover a long distance in our run every morning.

suffice

  1. C1Transitive

    To be sufficient to pay for the costs of something.

    • The selling price barely offsets the cost of the raw materials.

    • For some writers, having to pay for costs like meals and travel makes it unaffordable to speak at book festivals.

    • Their small budget had to cover everything from staff costs to buying furniture.

sports

  1. Transitive

    In team sports, to closely guard an opponent to prevent them from receiving the ball or scoring.

    • The Bullets kept assigning different players to mark him.

    • In the game, the defender was responsible for covering the star player.

substitute

  1. TransitiveIntransitive

    To take over someone's job or duty, usually temporarily when they are absent.

    • I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow; could you take my shift for me?

    • Sorry, I am already working for another colleague.

    • She had to cover the shift because another teacher was sick.

music

  1. Transitive

    To record or perform a song that has been previously recorded by someone else.

    • I believe more singers have recorded a version of "Yesterday" than any other song.

    • The band plans to cover a classic rock song on their new album.

Phrases of cover verb

  • cover yourself

    To take actions to protect oneself from potential blame or criticism in the future.

    • I scanned all the receipts to cover myself in case any issues arise.

Idioms

  • cover your tracks

    To conceal or remove evidence of one's activities or whereabouts in order to avoid detection.

    • The spy tried to cover his tracks, but he was still caught.

  • cover all the bases

    To take all necessary precautions and actions to ensure a successful outcome; to be thorough and comprehensive in one's preparations.

    • To ensure our project launches smoothly, we need to cover all the bases and scrutinize every detail carefully.

  • cover your backside/behind/rear

    To take actions to protect oneself from potential blame or criticism, ensuring one's own interests are safeguarded.

    • He always keeps a written record of his actions and communications to cover his backside from potential future blame.

Phrasal Verbs of cover

  • cover something up

    to prevent others from discovering the truth about a wrongdoing or negative incident

    • He tried to cover up the mistake he made during the meeting.