n.

1. a covering that serves to conceal or shelter something;
   screen, covert, concealment
   
   • they crouched behind the screen
   • under cover of darkness
2. bedding that keeps a person warm in bed;
   blanket
   
   • he pulled the covers over his head and went to sleep
3. the act of concealing the existence of something by obstructing the view of it;
   covering, screening, masking
   
   • the cover concealed their guns from enemy aircraft
4. the protective covering on the front, back, and spine of a book;
   binding, book binding, back
   
   • the book had a leather binding
5. a natural object that covers or envelops;
   covering, natural covering
   
   • under a covering of dust
   • the fox was flushed from its cover
6. covering for a hole (especially a hole in the top of a container);
   top
   
   • he removed the top of the carton
   • he couldn't get the top off of the bottle
   • put the cover back on the kettle
7. fire that makes it difficult for the enemy to fire on your own individuals or formations;
   covering fire
   
   • artillery provided covering fire for the withdrawal
8. a fixed charge by a restaurant or night club over and above the charge for food and drink;
   cover charge
9. a recording of a song that was first recorded or made popular by somebody else;
   cover version, cover song
   
   • they made a cover of a Beatles' song
10. a false identity and background (especially one created for an undercover agent)
    
    • her new name and passport are cover for her next assignment

v.

1. 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
2. form a cover over;
   spread over
   
   • The grass covered the grave
3. span an interval of distance, space or time;
   continue, extend
   
   • The war extended over five years
   • The period covered the turn of the century
   • My land extends over the hills on the horizon
   • This farm covers some 200 acres
   • The Archipelago continues for another 500 miles
4. provide for
   
   • The grant doesn't cover my salary
5. deal with verbally or in some form of artistic expression;
   treat, handle, plow, deal, address
   
   • This book deals with incest
   • The course covered all of Western Civilization
   • The new book treats the history of China
6. include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory;
   embrace, encompass, comprehend
   
   • This group encompasses a wide range of people from different backgrounds
   • this should cover everyone in the group
7. travel across or pass over;
   traverse, track, cross, pass over, get over, get across, cut through, cut across
   
   • The caravan covered almost 100 miles each day
8. be responsible for reporting the details of, as in journalism;
   report
   
   • Snow reported on China in the 1950's
   • The cub reporter covered New York City
9. hold within range of an aimed firearm
10. to take an action to protect against future problems
    
    • Count the cash in the drawer twice just to cover yourself
11. hide from view or knowledge;
    cover up
    
    • The President covered the fact that he bugged the offices in the White House
12. protect or defend (a position in a game)
    
    • he covered left field
13. maintain a check on; especially by patrolling
    
    • The second officer covered the top floor
14. protect by insurance;
    insure, underwrite
    
    • The insurance won't cover this
15. make up for shortcomings or a feeling of inferiority by exaggerating good qualities;
    compensate, overcompensate
    
    • he is compensating for being a bad father
16. invest with a large or excessive amount of something
    
    • She covered herself with glory
17. help out by taking someone's place and temporarily assuming his responsibilities
    
    • She is covering for our secretary who is ill this week
18. be sufficient to meet, defray, or offset the charge or cost of
    
    • Is this enough to cover the check?
19. spread over a surface to conceal or protect
    
    • This paint covers well
20. cover as if with a shroud;
    shroud, enshroud, hide
    
    • The origins of this civilization are shrouded in mystery
21. copulate with a female, used especially of horses;
    breed
    
    • The horse covers the mare
22. put something on top of something else;
    overlay
    
    • cover the meat with a lot of gravy
23. play a higher card than the one previously played
    
    • Smith covered again
24. be responsible for guarding an opponent in a game
25. sit on (eggs);
    brood, hatch, incubate
    
    • Birds brood
    • The female covers the eggs
26. clothe, as if for protection from the elements;
    wrap up
    
    • cover your head!