covering

1 of 3

noun

cov·​er·​ing ˈkə-və-riŋ How to pronounce covering (audio)
ˈkəv-
Synonyms of coveringnext
: something that covers or conceals

covering

2 of 3

adjective

: containing explanation of or additional information about an accompanying communication
a covering letter

covering

3 of 3

present participle of cover entry 1

Synonyms of covering

Relevance

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of covering in a Sentence

Noun with the commotion on the dance floor as a covering, we were able to slip out undetected the plastic coverings on lamp shades should be removed
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
One possible injury is a subdural hematoma, which is bleeding between the brain and its outer protective covering putting pressure on the brain. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026 Insurance companies encourage this, offering discounts for properties with storm-proof coverings or those that take the extra financial leap to install permanent protections like impact windows and doors. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026 Travelers wearing elaborate face coverings or heavy costume makeup may be asked to remove it if their identity cannot be verified during screening. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 Coca-Cola exec Kate Santore has been tapped as chief marketing officer of Guardian Sports, the maker of soft shell helmet coverings for football players. — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for covering

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of covering was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing covering

Rhymes for covering

See All Rhymes for covering

Browse Nearby Words

cover in
covering
covering disease
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Covering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/covering. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

covering

noun
cov·​er·​ing
ˈkəv-(ə-)riŋ
: something that covers or conceals
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of compunction

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All