verb / noun

cover

KUV-ur/ˈkʌvər/

To extend over something so as to include or protect it.

The adult covers the dining table with a protective cloth.

An East Asian adult placing a protective cloth over a dining table, cloth clearly spreads over surface.

Etymology

The underlying verb meant “close” or “cover,” with a prefix that perhaps intensified it to “cover over.” Placing something over another object retains this concrete action, which can also protect or conceal it.

In context

Emma's Goodies3:44

using a sieve cover them generously with flour

4 Ingredient, NO-Knead Ciabatta Bread Recipe | The EASIEST Way to make Ciabatta

More examples

She covers the dough with a clean towel.
A waterproof cover keeps rain off the grill.
We take cover under the porch during the storm.
Twenty dollars covers the cost of lunch.

Forms

cover · covers · covered · covering

coverage noun — The extent of protection or inclusion.

Similar words

include: Emphasizes making something part of a larger whole.
shield: Focuses on protecting against a specific danger or harm.
lid: Names a removable top that closes a container.