covering Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun a natural object that covers or envelops
   cover; natural covering.
   
   • under a covering of dust
   • the fox was flushed from its cover
2. noun an artifact that covers something else (usually to protect or shelter or conceal it)
   
3. noun the act of concealing the existence of something by obstructing the view of it
   masking; cover; screening.
   
   • the cover concealed their guns from enemy aircraft
4. noun the act of protecting something by covering it
   
5. noun the work of applying something;
   application; coating.
   
   • the doctor prescribed a topical application of iodine
   • a complete bleach requires several applications
   • the surface was ready for a coating of paint
6. verb provide with a covering or cause to be covered
   cover.
   
   • cover her face with a handkerchief
   • cover the child with a blanket
   • cover the grave with flowers
7. verb form a cover over
   cover; spread over.
   
   • The grass covered the grave
8. verb span an interval of distance, space or time
   continue; cover; extend.
   
   • 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
9. verb provide for
   cover.
   
   • The grant doesn't cover my salary
10. verb act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
    plow; handle; deal; cover; treat; address.
    
    • This book deals with incest
    • The course covered all of Western Civilization
    • The new book treats the history of China
11. verb include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory
    cover; encompass; embrace; comprehend.
    
    • This group encompasses a wide range of people from different backgrounds
    • this should cover everyone in the group
12. verb travel across or pass over
    traverse; track; pass over; get across; cover; cross; cut through; get over; cut across.
    
    • The caravan covered almost 100 miles each day
13. verb be responsible for reporting the details of, as in journalism
    report; cover.
    
    • Snow reported on China in the 1950's
    • The cub reporter covered New York City
14. verb hold within range of an aimed firearm
    cover.
    
15. verb to take an action to protect against future problems
    cover.
    
    • Count the cash in the drawer twice just to cover yourself
16. verb hide from view or knowledge
    cover up; cover.
    
    • The President covered the fact that he bugged the offices in the White House
17. verb protect or defend (a position in a game)
    cover.
    
    • he covered left field
18. verb maintain a check on; especially by patrolling
    cover.
    
    • The second officer covered the top floor
19. verb protect by insurance
    insure; underwrite; cover.
    
    • The insurance won't cover this
20. verb make up for shortcomings or a feeling of inferiority by exaggerating good qualities
    overcompensate; compensate; cover.
    
    • he is compensating for being a bad father
21. verb invest with a large or excessive amount of something
    cover.
    
    • She covered herself with glory
22. verb help out by taking someone's place and temporarily assuming his responsibilities
    cover.
    
    • She is covering for our secretary who is ill this week
23. verb be sufficient to meet, defray, or offset the charge or cost of
    cover.
    
    • Is this enough to cover the check?
24. verb spread over a surface to conceal or protect
    cover.
    
    • This paint covers well
25. verb cover as if with a shroud
    shroud; hide; cover; enshroud.
    
    • The origins of this civilization are shrouded in mystery
26. verb copulate with a female, used especially of horses
    breed; cover.
    
    • The horse covers the mare
27. verb put something on top of something else
    cover; overlay.
    
    • cover the meat with a lot of gravy
28. verb play a higher card than the one previously played
    cover.
    
    • Smith covered again
29. verb be responsible for guarding an opponent in a game
    cover.
    
30. verb sit on (eggs)
    incubate; brood; cover; hatch.
    
    • Birds brood
    • The female covers the eggs
31. verb clothe, as if for protection from the elements
    wrap up; cover.
    
    • cover your head!

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