covering

The word “covering” means something that is spread, laid, or wrapped over something else to protect or conceal it. In plain terms, a layer that covers and protects or hides something underneath.

“Covering” is pronounced KUH-vuh-rihng (/ˈkʌvəɹɪŋ/ in IPA).

Here is “covering” used in a sentence: “They put a plastic covering over the furniture before painting.”

“Covering” is a noun.

The word “covering” comes from Middle English. From Middle English coverynge, the verbal noun form of cover.

“Covering” is a fairly common word in modern English.

A covering is anything laid over something to protect or hide it. A blanket over a bed, a tarp over a woodpile, a dust sheet over furniture, and snow over a field are all coverings. In the home, carpets and tiles are called floor coverings, while wallpaper and paint cover walls.

The words overlap, but there's a shade of difference. A 'cover' is often a specific fitted object, like a book cover, a manhole cover, or a lid. A 'covering' tends to mean a layer of material spread or wrapped over a surface, like a covering of snow or a floor covering. Cover is the thing; covering is the layer.

Coverings are usually grouped by what they protect. Floor coverings include carpet, rugs, vinyl, and tiles. Wall coverings include wallpaper and paneling. Protective coverings, such as tarps, dust sheets, and covers, shield things from weather or dirt. There are also body coverings like clothing, and natural ones like a covering of leaves.