cover definition

1. the act of concealing the existence of something by obstructing the view of it
• examples: the cover concealed their guns from enemy aircraft
2. a natural object that covers or envelops
• examples: under a covering of dust
• examples: the fox was flushed from its cover
3. fire that makes it difficult for the enemy to fire on your own individuals or formations
• examples: artillery provided covering fire for the withdrawal
4. a fixed charge by a restaurant or nightclub over and above the charge for food and drink
5. a recording of a song that was first recorded or made popular by somebody else
• examples: they made a cover of a Beatles' song
6. a false identity and background (especially one created for an undercover agent)
• examples: her new name and passport are cover for her next assignment
7. provide with a covering or cause to be covered
• examples: cover her face with a handkerchief
• examples: cover the child with a blanket
• examples: cover the grave with flowers
8. form a cover over
• examples: The grass covered the grave
9. span an interval of distance, space or time
• examples: The war extended over five years
• examples: The period covered the turn of the century
• examples: My land extends over the hills on the horizon
• examples: This farm covers some 200 acres
• examples: The Archipelago continues for another 500 miles
10. provide for
• examples: The grant doesn't cover my salary
11. act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
• examples: This book deals with incest
• examples: The course covered all of Western Civilization
• examples: The new book treats the history of China
12. hold within range of an aimed firearm
13. to take an action to protect against future problems
• examples: Count the cash in the drawer twice just to cover yourself
14. hide from view or knowledge
• examples: The President covered the fact that he bugged the offices in the White House
15. protect or defend (a position in a game)
• examples: he covered left field
16. maintain a check on; especially by patrolling
• examples: The second officer covered the top floor
17. protect by insurance
• examples: The insurance won't cover this
18. make up for shortcomings or a feeling of inferiority by exaggerating good qualities
• examples: he is compensating for being a bad father
19. invest with a large or excessive amount of something
• examples: She covered herself with glory
20. help out by taking someone's place and temporarily assuming his responsibilities
• examples: She is covering for our secretary who is ill this week
21. be sufficient to meet, defray, or offset the charge or cost of
• examples: Is this enough to cover the check?
22. spread over a surface to conceal or protect
• examples: This paint covers well
23. play a higher card than the one previously played
• examples: Smith covered again
24. be responsible for guarding an opponent in a game
25. clothe, as if for protection from the elements
• examples: cover your head!