a covering that serves to conceal or shelter something
"a screen of trees afforded privacy"
"under cover of darkness"
"the brush provided a covert for game"
"the simplest concealment is to match perfectly the color of the background"
the protective covering on the front, back, and spine of a book
"the book had a leather binding"
a natural object that covers or envelops
"under a covering of dust"
"the fox was flushed from its cover"
fire that makes it difficult for the enemy to fire on your own individuals or formations
"artillery provided covering fire for the withdrawal"
a fixed charge by a restaurant or nightclub over and above the charge for food and drink
"The bill included a fifteen percent cover to pay for the use of the private dining room."
a recording of a song that was first recorded or made popular by somebody else
"they made a cover of a Beatles' song"
a false identity and background (especially one created for an undercover agent)
"her new name and passport are cover for her next assignment"
A lid.
"She placed the glass cover over the hot soup to keep it warm."
provide with a covering or cause to be covered
"cover her face with a handkerchief"
"cover the child with a blanket"
"cover the grave with flowers"
include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory
"This group encompasses a wide range of people from different backgrounds"
"this should cover everyone in the group"
travel across or pass over
"The caravan covered almost 100 miles each day"
hold within range of an aimed firearm
"The sniper took cover behind the rock to stay out of sight from the enemy's line of fire."
to take an action to protect against future problems
"Count the cash in the drawer twice just to cover yourself"
make up for shortcomings or a feeling of inferiority by exaggerating good qualities
"he is compensating for being a bad father"
help out by taking someone's place and temporarily assuming his responsibilities
"She is covering for our secretary who is ill this week"
be sufficient to meet, defray, or offset the charge or cost of
"Is this enough to cover the check?"
be responsible for guarding an opponent in a game
"The defender moved quickly to cover the runner before he could reach first base."
To place something over or upon, as to conceal or protect.
"She placed a white sheet over the furniture before painting it to keep the room clean."
In plain English: To cover something means to put it under another object so you can't see what is underneath.
"Please cover your food with a plate when you are done eating."
Of or pertaining to the front cover of a book or magazine.
"The bold illustration on the cover captures attention before you even open the magazine."
In plain English: Cover means something that hides another thing from view so you can't see it clearly.
"The cover charge for the concert is twenty dollars."
A surname.
"Mr. Cover arrived at the meeting on time despite the heavy traffic."
The word "cover" comes from the Old French covrir and earlier from the Latin cooperiō. Originally, it meant to close or cover something completely.