# cover /ˈkəvɝ/ (US) · /kˈʌvɐ/ (UK) Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cover Updated: 2026-06-19 ## Senses ### 1. to place something over verb · CEFR A2 to put something over another thing to hide or protect it. For teachers: to place something over or upon an object to conceal, protect, or enclose it. - Please cover the food with a cloth to keep the flies away. - The workers had to cover the fresh concrete with heavy plastic sheets to prevent it from drying too quickly in the midday sun. ### 2. to include or deal with verb · CEFR B1 to include a subject or a certain amount of information. For teachers: to have within one's scope or purview; to address a specific range of topics or data. - The first chapter of the book covers the history of the city. - The introductory lecture covers the fundamental principles of thermodynamics before moving on to more complex industrial applications. ### 3. to pay for verb · CEFR B1 to have enough money to pay for something. For teachers: to be sufficient to pay for a cost or to provide the necessary funds for an expense. - Ten dollars should be enough to cover the cost of lunch. - The grant was specifically designed to cover the travel expenses and accommodation for the visiting researchers. ### 4. to travel a distance verb · CEFR B2 to travel a certain distance. For teachers: to traverse or pass over a specific distance or area. - We covered over thirty miles on the first day of our hike. - The search party managed to cover the entire northern quadrant of the forest before the heavy fog made further progress impossible. ### 5. to replace someone verb · CEFR B1 to do someone else's work while they are away. For teachers: to act as a substitute or replacement for a colleague during their absence. - Can you cover my shift on Friday evening? I have a doctor's appointment. - The department head asked if any senior staff could cover the afternoon seminars while the professor was attending the conference. ### 6. outer part of a book noun · CEFR A2 the outside part of a book, magazine, or CD. For teachers: the protective outer layer of a publication or recorded media, typically made of heavier paper or cardboard. - The book has a beautiful blue cover with gold letters. - The publisher decided to redesign the front cover to appeal to a younger demographic of readers. ### 7. protection from view or fire noun · CEFR B1 a place where you can hide or stay safe from danger. For teachers: physical terrain or objects that provide protection from enemy observation or fire. - The soldiers ran for cover when the rain started to fall heavily. - The infantry moved from cover to cover, using the dense undergrowth to remain invisible to the scouts on the ridge. ### 8. insurance noun · CEFR B2 · British English protection provided by an insurance company. For teachers: financial protection provided under the terms of an insurance policy. - Does your travel insurance provide cover for lost luggage? - The policy offers comprehensive cover against fire, theft, and accidental damage for all equipment stored on the premises. ### 9. new version of a song noun · CEFR B1 a new version of a song that was originally recorded by someone else. For teachers: a new performance or recording of a previously released song by a different artist. - The band played a great cover of an old Beatles song. - While the original track was a slow ballad, the band's cover transformed it into an upbeat dance anthem. ### 10. a lid or top noun · CEFR A2 something that is put over an opening or an object. For teachers: a lid, top, or fitted cloth used to close an opening or protect an item. - Make sure the cover of the trash can is closed tightly. - The custom-made pool cover was designed to withstand heavy snow loads during the winter months. ## Examples - Please put the cover back on the grill after it cools down. - The band played a famous rock cover to get the crowd dancing at the start of the wedding reception. - While the thick forest canopy provided excellent cover from the midday sun, it also made it difficult for the hikers to spot any landmarks on the horizon. --- From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.