Put something such as a cloth or lid on top of or in front of (something) in order to protect or conceal it

• - the table had been covered with a checked tablecloth

• - she covered her face with a pillow

Envelop in a layer of something, esp. dirt

• - he was covered in mud

• - she was covered in confusion

Scatter a layer of loose material over (a surface, esp. a floor), leaving it completely obscured

• - the barn floor was covered in straw

Lie over or adhere to (a surface), as decoration or to conceal something

• - masonry paint will cover hairline cracks

Protect (someone) with a garment or hat

• - keep children covered with T-shirts

Extend over (an area)

• - the grounds covered eight acres

Travel (a specified distance)

• - it took them four days to cover 150 miles

Deal with (a subject) by describing or analyzing its most important aspects or events

• - a sequence of novels that will cover the period from 1968 to the present

Investigate, report on, or publish or broadcast pictures of (an event)

• - NBC is covering the Olympics

Work in, have responsibility for, or provide services to (a particular area)

• - development officers whose work would cover a large area

(of a rule or law) Apply to (a person or situation)

(of a sum of money) Be enough to pay (a bill or cost)

• - there are grants to cover the cost of materials for loft insulation

(of insurance) Protect against a liability, loss, or accident involving financial consequences

• - your contents are now covered against accidental loss or damage in transit

Take precautionary measures so as to protect oneself against future blame or liability

• - one reason doctors take temperatures is to cover themselves against negligence claims

Disguise the sound or fact of (something) with another sound or action

• - Louise laughed to cover her embarrassment

Disguise the illicit absence or wrongdoing of (someone) in order to spare them punishment

• - if the sergeant wants to know where you are, I'll cover for you

Temporarily take over the job of (a colleague) in their absence

• - during August ministers cover for other ministers

Aim a gun at (someone) in order to prevent them from moving or escaping

Protect (an exposed person) by shooting at an enemy

• - the jeeps retreated behind spurts of covering fire

(of a fortress, gun, or cannon) Have (an area) within range

(in team games) Take up a position ready to defend against (an opposing player)

Be in position at (a base) ready to catch a thrown ball

Play a higher card on (a high card) in a trick

• - the ploy will fail if the ten is covered

• - East covered with his queen

Record or perform a new version of (a song) originally performed by someone else

• - other artists who have covered the song include U2

(of a male animal, esp. a stallion) Copulate with (a female animal), esp. as part of a commercial transaction between the owners of the animals