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noun Common

covering

KUH-vuh-rihng
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Covering (noun) means something that is spread, laid, or wrapped over something else to protect or conceal it. Example: “They put a plastic covering over the furniture before painting.”

noun
1
Something that is spread, laid, or wrapped over something else to protect or conceal it.
"They put a plastic covering over the furniture before painting."
"Snow formed a thick covering across the field."
"A thin covering of dust lay on the old piano."

How to use covering

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA layer that covers and protects or hides something underneath.

Common pairings
protective covering snow covering floor covering
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Word forms

Plural
coverings
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They put a plastic _____ over the furniture before painting.

Etymology

From Middle English coverynge, the verbal noun form of cover.

Origin: Middle English

Related words

Rhymes for covering

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Frequently asked questions

What does “covering” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “covering”?
“Covering” is pronounced KUH-vuh-rihng (/ˈkʌvəɹɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “covering” in a sentence?
Here is “covering” used in a sentence: “They put a plastic covering over the furniture before painting.”
What part of speech is “covering”?
“Covering” is a noun.
Where does the word “covering” come from?
The word “covering” comes from Middle English. From Middle English coverynge, the verbal noun form of cover.
Is “covering” a common word?
“Covering” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is an example of a covering?
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.
What is the difference between a covering and a cover?
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.
What are common types of coverings?
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.

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