What does "covering" mean?
That which covers or conceals; a cover; something spread or laid over or wrapped about another.
Covering
/ˈkʌvəɹɪŋ/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: That which covers or conceals; a cover; something spread or laid over or wrapped about another.
- Grammar: covering is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: coating, apparel, application, assimilating.
- Useful contrasts: bare, bareness, baring.
- Usage evidence: My bonus doesn't come close to covering all the loan payments I have to make.
How to use "covering"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "covering" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "covering" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "covering" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "covering" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "covering" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "coating" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "covering", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 That which covers or conceals; a cover; something spread or laid over or wrapped about another. countable
"Face covering is also mentioned: "There are some circumstances when wearing a face covering may be marginally beneficial as a precautionary measure. The evidence suggests that wearing a face covering does not protect you, but it may protect others if you are infected but have not yet developed symptoms. [...] If you can, wear a face covering if you need to use public transport.""
- 2 the work of applying something wordnet
- 3 Action of the verb to cover. uncountable
- 4 the act of protecting something by covering it wordnet
- 5 A collection of sets U_i such that their union contains U; such a collection with the additional property that every U_i is open; such a collection with the additional property that every U_i is contained in U. countable, uncountable
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 the act of concealing the existence of something by obstructing the view of it wordnet
- 7 A special kind of map that establishes a relationship between two topological spaces in the sense that, under the action of the map, the one looks locally like several copies of the second: Formally, a continuous map π:E→X between topological spaces such that there exists, for every point x in X, a discrete space D_x and an open neighborhood U of x such that π⁻¹(U)= displaystyle ⨆_(d∈D_x)V_d and π|_(V_d):V_d→U is a homeomorphism for every d∈D_x. See Covering space on Wikipedia.Wikipedia countable, uncountable
- 8 an artifact that covers something else (usually to protect or shelter or conceal it) wordnet
- 9 a natural object that covers or envelops wordnet
Verb
- 1 present participle and gerund of cover form-of, gerund, participle, present
Example
"My bonus doesn't come close to covering all the loan payments I have to make."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "covering"?
Common synonyms include: coating, apparel, application, assimilating, attire, awning.
How do you use "covering" in a sentence?
My bonus doesn't come close to covering all the loan payments I have to make.
How do you pronounce "covering"?
Pronounced /ˈkʌvəɹɪŋ/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Present participle or participial adjective from cover (verb) + -ing; or, from Middle English coverynge, participle form of coveren, keveren (“to cover”).
Etymology 2
From Middle English coverynge, -inge, keverynge, -inge [verbal noun of coveren, keveren (“to cover”)]; or, verbal noun from cover (verb) + -ing.