# uncover

/ənˈkəvɝ/ (US) · /ʌnkˈʌvɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/uncover
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. to remove a physical cover

verb · CEFR B1

to take a lid, cloth, or other covering off something so you can see what is underneath.

For teachers: to remove a physical covering from an object, exposing its surface or contents.

- He uncovered the dish to show the guests the meal he had prepared.
- Archaeologists carefully uncovered the mosaic floor, removing layers of sediment that had protected the tiles for centuries.

### 2. to find out a secret

verb · CEFR B2

to discover something that was hidden or kept secret, like a crime or a truth.

For teachers: to reveal or bring to light information, facts, or activities that were previously hidden or unknown.

- The police uncovered a plan to steal the famous painting from the museum.
- The investigative journalist worked for months to uncover the corruption within the local government's housing department.

### 3. to reveal an identity

verb · CEFR B2

to find out who someone really is, especially if they were hiding their name.

For teachers: to reveal the true identity of a person who is operating under a pseudonym or in disguise.

- The reporter managed to uncover the identity of the anonymous donor.
- Intelligence agencies spent years attempting to uncover the true identity of the double agent operating within their ranks.

### 4. to expose troops

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to move soldiers so that the lines behind them can be seen or can fire.

For teachers: to expose lines of troop formations successively by moving the units in front of them to the side.

- The commander ordered the front line to move and uncover the cannons.
- By wheeling the lead battalion to the left, the general was able to uncover his reserve forces at the critical moment of the engagement.

### 5. to remove one's hat

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal · Archaic

to take off your hat to show respect to someone.

For teachers: to remove one's headgear as a gesture of respect or during a formal ceremony.

- The men uncovered as the funeral procession passed by on the street.
- It was once standard etiquette for gentlemen to uncover when entering a church or meeting a lady.

## Examples

- The archaeologists hope to uncover ancient ruins.
- The journalist worked for months to uncover the truth behind the government's secret spending.
- Investigators managed to uncover a sophisticated network of shell companies designed to hide the true origins of the stolen funds.

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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.