to place something over or in front of something else, especially in order to protect or hide it, to deal with a subject or situation, to provide enough money to pay for something

cover all the bases, cover one's tracks, cover the cost

cover up, cover charge, cover letter

Formal and Informal Expressions of cover

In different contexts, you can replace 'cover' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'protect, conceal, deal with' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'wrap, hide, take care of' is a commonplace synonym.

cover: Explore its Definition & Usage

cover Definition

1to place something over or in front of something else, especially in order to protect or hide it
2to deal with a subject or situation
3to provide enough money to pay for something

Using cover: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "cover" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
She covered the cake with plastic wrap.
Example
The reporter covered the story from the scene of the crime.
Example
The insurance policy covers all medical expenses.
Example
The book covers a wide range of topics.

cover Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for cover

Antonyms for cover

Idioms Using cover

cover all the bases
to take all necessary steps to prepare for or deal with a situation
Example
We need to cover all the bases before launching the new product.
cover one's tracks
to conceal one's actions or intentions, especially by leaving no evidence
Example
He tried to cover his tracks by deleting all the files from his computer.
cover the cost
to provide enough money to pay for something
Example
The scholarship will cover the cost of tuition and books.

Phrases with cover

cover up
to hide something that is embarrassing or illegal
Example
The company tried to cover up the scandal by paying off the witnesses.
cover charge
a fee charged by a nightclub or restaurant for admission or service
Example
There's a $10 cover charge to get into the club.
cover letter
a letter sent with, and explaining the contents of, another document or a parcel of goods
Example
She wrote a cover letter to accompany her job application.

Origins of cover

from Old English 'cowerian', meaning 'to cover, conceal'

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Summary: cover in Brief

The verb 'cover' [ˈkʌvər] means to place something over or in front of something else, to deal with a subject or situation, or to provide enough money to pay for something. It extends into phrases like 'cover up,' which means to hide something that is embarrassing or illegal, and idioms like 'cover all the bases,' which means to take all necessary steps to prepare for or deal with a situation.