Ask Difference

Cover vs. Covers — What's the Difference?

By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 18, 2024
"Cover" refers to a single instance of covering, while "covers" is its plural form, denoting multiple instances or types of coverings.
Cover vs. Covers — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Cover and Covers

ADVERTISEMENT

Key Differences

Cover, as a singular noun, refers to something laid over or used to envelop another object to protect, hide, or enclose it. This could be a book cover, a cover for furniture, or a natural cover like foliage. Covers, in its plural form, can refer to multiple instances of coverings across various contexts. It might involve literal covers, like multiple book covers or bed covers, or figurative ones, like insurance covers.
As a verb, "cover" means to place something over or upon another thing, to envelop, protect, or conceal it. For example, covering a table with a cloth or covering a topic in a lecture. In music, "covers" often refers to renditions of a song originally performed by another artist. The plural form broadens the scope, indicating diversity or a range within the concept of covering or protection.
When discussing "cover" as a concept, it often focuses on a singular aspect or instance, such as the role or function of a specific cover. In contrast, "covers" might be used to discuss various types of coverings, their uses, or differences, thereby introducing a comparative or comprehensive perspective.
The distinction also extends to verbs; "cover" can denote a single action or responsibility, while "covers" might refer to multiple actions, responsibilities, or areas addressed by an individual or entity. For example, a journalist might cover a story, whereas a magazine covers a range of topics.
Despite the differences in number, both "cover" and "covers" encapsulate the idea of concealment, protection, or assuming responsibility over something. The choice between them depends on the context and whether the discussion pertains to a single item or multiple items under consideration.
ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Form

Singular noun or verb
Plural noun or verb

Definition

Something that conceals, protects, or encloses.
Multiple instances of concealment, protection, or enclosures.

Contexts

Single item (e.g., book cover, covering a topic).
Multiple items or types (e.g., book covers, insurance covers).

Examples

A cover for a phone, covering a song.
Different types of bed covers, various song covers by artists.

Usage

Focuses on a singular aspect or instance.
Indicates diversity, range, or multiple instances.

Compare with Definitions

Cover

A protective or decorative outer surface.
The book's cover featured an intricate design.

Covers

Various means of concealment or shelter.
The soldiers used different types of covers during the exercise.

Cover

Something that conceals or shelters.
The dense foliage provided cover from the rain.

Covers

Multiple protective or decorative outer surfaces.
She collects vintage album covers.

Cover

The act of dealing with or addressing a subject.
The lecture will cover the basics of economics.

Covers

Comprehensive treatment of subjects or topics.
The magazine covers a wide range of subjects.

Cover

To assume responsibility or a role.
She will cover the reception desk during lunch.

Covers

Assumption of multiple responsibilities or roles.
He covers several positions at the company.

Cover

A rendition of a song originally by another artist.
His cover of the classic hit was well-received.

Covers

Renditions of songs by various artists.
The concert featured covers from different genres.

Cover

To place something upon or over, so as to protect or conceal
Covered the boat with a tarp.
Covered the photo with his hand.

Covers

Plural of cover

Cover

To overlay or spread with something
Cover the potatoes with gravy.

Covers

(pluralonly) The bedclothes; collectively, the sheets, blankets, etc.
It's time to get under the covers!

Cover

To put a cover or covering on
Covered jar with a lid.

Covers

(cricket) The area of the field near cover and extra cover.

Cover

To hide or screen from view or knowledge; conceal. Often used with up
He tried to cover up his mistakes.

Covers

(cricket) The tarpaulins or other devices used to cover the wicket during rain, in order to prevent it getting wet.

Cover

To do something that gains for (oneself) a quality or association
The mountain climbers covered themselves in glory.

Cover

To be spread over the surface of
Dust covered the table. Your boots are covered with mud.

Cover

To lie over or adhere to so as to protect or conceal
The rug covers the gouges in the floor. Paint covers the stains on the ceiling.

Cover

To extend over
A farm covering more than 100 acres.

Cover

To travel or pass over
They covered 60 miles in two days.

Cover

To have as one's territory or sphere of work
A sales rep who covers the Southwest.

Cover

To protect from loss. Used of insurance
A new policy that will cover all our camera equipment.

Cover

To take measures to prevent (oneself) from being held responsible for something
With the memo he is covering himself in case something goes wrong.

Cover

To be enough to pay for or make up for
Will $100 cover the bill?.

Cover

To have as a subject; deal with
The book covers the feminist movement.

Cover

To be responsible for reporting the details of (an event or situation)
Two reporters covered the scandal.

Cover

To apply to or take into account
The law does not cover all crimes.

Cover

To protect by having within range or by firing a weapon
The fort's guns cover the entire harbor.

Cover

To aim a firearm at
Keep these dangerous suspects covered.

Cover

To guard (an opponent playing offense).

Cover

To defend (a position or area)
Cover third base.
Cover the backcourt.

Cover

To match (an opponent's stake) in a wager.

Cover

To purchase (stock that one has shorted).

Cover

(Games) To play a higher-ranking card than (the one previously played).

Cover

To perform or record (music previously recorded or popularized by another)
Covered a classic rock ballad from the 1970s.

Cover

To perform or record music first recorded or popularized by (another)
A band that specializes in covering the Beatles.

Cover

To copulate with (a female). Used especially of horses.

Cover

To spread over a surface to protect or conceal something
A paint that covers well.

Cover

To act as a substitute or replacement during someone's absence
Her assistant covered for her.

Cover

To hide something in order to save someone from censure or punishment
Cover up for a colleague.

Cover

(Games) To play a higher card than the one previously played.

Cover

A lid or top.

Cover

A binding or outer part for a book or magazine.

Cover

A bedcover.

Cover

A protective overlay, as for a mattress or furniture.

Cover

Shelter or protection
The sheep seek cover in the cave when it snows.

Cover

Strategic protection given by armed units during hostile action
The battleship approached the combat zone under a cover of fighter planes.

Cover

Something, such as vegetation, covering the surface of the ground.

Cover

Vegetation, such as underbrush, serving as protective concealment for wild animals.

Cover

Something, such as darkness, that screens, conceals, or disguises.

Cover

A false identity, especially for a spy.

Cover

An activity or organization that is used to conceal an illegal or secret activity
A man who sold paintings as a cover for spying.

Cover

A layer of clouds obscuring the sky or ground.

Cover

A table setting for one person
Covers were laid for ten.

Cover

A cover charge.

Cover

An envelope or wrapper for mail.

Cover

Funds sufficient to meet an obligation or secure against loss.

Cover

One who substitutes for another
Who is your cover for tonight's shift?.

Cover

(Music) A recording or performance of a song that was previously recorded or popularized by another.

Cover

A lid.

Cover

(uncountable) Area or situation which screens a person or thing from view.
The soldiers took cover behind a ruined building.

Cover

The front and back of a book, magazine, CD package, etc.

Cover

The top sheet of a bed.

Cover

A cloth or similar material, often fitted, placed over an item such as a car or sofa or food to protect it from dust, rain, insects, etc. when not being used.

Cover

A cover charge.
There's a $15 cover tonight.

Cover

A setting at a restaurant table or formal dinner.
We need to set another cover for the Smith party.

Cover

(music) A new performance or rerecording of a previously recorded song; a cover version; a cover song.

Cover

(cricket) A fielding position on the off side, between point and mid off, about 30° forward of square; a fielder in this position.

Cover

A collection (or family) of subsets of a given set, whose union contains every element of said original set.
The open intervals are a cover for the real numbers.

Cover

(philately) An envelope complete with stamps and postmarks etc.

Cover

(military) A solid object, including terrain, that provides protection from enemy fire.

Cover

(legal) In commercial law, a buyer’s purchase on the open market of goods similar or identical to the goods contracted for after a seller has breached a contract of sale by failure to deliver the goods contracted for.

Cover

(insurance) An insurance contract; coverage by an insurance contract.

Cover

(espionage) A persona maintained by a spy or undercover operative; cover story.

Cover

(dated) A swindler's confederate.

Cover

The portion of a slate, tile, or shingle that is hidden by the overlap of the course above.

Cover

In a steam engine, the lap of a slide valve.

Cover

(construction) The distance between reinforcing steel and the exterior of concrete.

Cover

Of or pertaining to the front cover of a book or magazine.

Cover

(music) Of, pertaining to, or consisting of cover versions.

Cover

(transitive) To place something over or upon, as to conceal or protect.
He covered the baby with a blanket.
When the pot comes to a boil, cover it and reduce the heat to medium.

Cover

(transitive) To be over or upon, as to conceal or protect.
The blanket covered the baby.

Cover

(transitive) To be upon all of, so as to completely conceal.
Regular hexagons can cover the plane.

Cover

(transitive) To set upon all of, so as to completely conceal.
You can cover the plane with regular hexagons.

Cover

To put on one's hat.

Cover

(transitive) To invest (oneself with something); to bring upon (oneself).
The heroic soldier covered himself with glory.

Cover

(of a publication) To discuss thoroughly; to provide coverage of.
The magazine covers such diverse topics as politics, news from the world of science, and the economy.

Cover

To deal with or include someone or something.

Cover

To be enough money for.
We've earned enough to cover most of our costs.
Ten dollars should cover lunch.

Cover

(intransitive) To act as a replacement.
I need to take off Tuesday. Can you cover for me?

Cover

(transitive) To have as an assignment or responsibility.
Can you cover the morning shift tomorrow? I'll give you off next Monday instead.
He is our salesman covering companies with headquarters in the northern provinces.

Cover

(music) To make a cover version of (a song that was originally recorded by another artist).

Cover

To protect using an aimed firearm and the threat of firing; or to protect using continuous, heaving fire at or in the direction of the enemy so as to force the enemy to remain in cover; or to threaten using an aimed firearm.

Cover

To provide insurance coverage for.
Does my policy cover accidental loss?

Cover

To copulate with (said of certain male animals such as dogs and horses).
I would like to have my bitch covered next spring.
The stallion has not covered the mare yet.

Cover

To protect or control (a piece or square).
In order to checkmate a king on the side of the board, the five squares adjacent to the king must all be covered.

Cover

To extend over a given period of time or range, to occupy, to stretch over a given area.

Cover

To traverse or put behind a certain distance.

Cover

(sports) To defend (mark) a particular player or area.

Cover

To overspread the surface of (one thing) with another; as, to cover wood with paint or lacquer; to cover a table with a cloth.

Cover

To envelop; to clothe, as with a mantle or cloak.
And with the majesty of darkness roundCovers his throne.
All that beauty than doth cover thee.

Cover

To invest (one's self with something); to bring upon (one's self); as, he covered himself with glory.
The powers that covered themselves with everlasting infamy by the partition of Poland.

Cover

To hide sight; to conceal; to cloak; as, the enemy were covered from our sight by the woods.
A cloud covered the mount.
In vain shou striv'st to cover shame with shame.

Cover

To brood or sit on; to incubate.
While the hen is covering her eggs, the male . . . diverts her with his songs.
The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen.

Cover

To shelter, as from evil or danger; to protect; to defend; as, the cavalry covered the retreat.
His calm and blameless lifeDoes with substantial blessedness abound,And the soft wings of peace cover him round.

Cover

To remove from remembrance; to put away; to remit.

Cover

To extend over; to be sufficient for; to comprehend, include, or embrace; to account for or solve; to counterbalance; as, a mortgage which fully covers a sum loaned on it; a law which covers all possible cases of a crime; receipts than do not cover expenses.

Cover

To put the usual covering or headdress on.
Cover thy head . . . ; nay, prithee, be covered.

Cover

To copulate with (a female); to serve; as, a horse covers a mare; - said of the male.

Cover

To spread a table for a meal; to prepare a banquet.

Cover

Anything which is laid, set, or spread, upon, about, or over, another thing; an envelope; a lid; as, the cover of a book.

Cover

Anything which veils or conceals; a screen; disguise; a cloak.
A handsome cover for imperfections.

Cover

Shelter; protection; as, the troops fought under cover of the batteries; the woods afforded a good cover.
Being compelled to lodge in the field . . . whilst his army was under cover, they might be forced to retire.

Cover

The woods, underbrush, etc., which shelter and conceal game; covert; as, to beat a cover; to ride to cover.

Cover

The lap of a slide valve.

Cover

A tablecloth, and the other table furniture; esp., the table furniture for the use of one person at a meal; as, covers were laid for fifty guests.
Letters . . . dispatched under cover to her ladyship.

Cover

A covering that serves to conceal or shelter something;
They crouched behind the screen
Under cover of darkness

Cover

Bedding that keeps a person warm in bed;
He pulled the covers over his head and went to sleep

Cover

The act of concealing the existence of something by obstructing the view of it;
The cover concealed their guns from enemy aircraft

Cover

The front and back covering of a book;
The book had a leather binding

Cover

A natural object that covers or envelops;
Under a covering of dust
The fox was flushed from its cover

Cover

Covering for a hole (especially a hole in the top of a container);
He removed the top of the carton
He couldn't get the top off of the bottle
Put the cover back on the kettle

Cover

Fire that makes it difficult for the enemy to fire on your own individuals or formations;
Artillery provided covering fire for the withdrawal

Cover

A fixed charge by a restaurant or night club over and above the charge for food and drink

Cover

A recording of a song that was first recorded or made popular by somebody else;
They made a cover of a Beatles' song

Cover

A false identity and background (especially one created for an undercover agent);
Her new name and passport are cover for her next assignment

Cover

Provide with a covering or cause to be covered;
Cover her face with a handkerchief
Cover the child with a blanket
Cover the grave with flowers

Cover

Form a cover over;
The grass covered the grave

Cover

Span an interval of distance, space or time;
The war extended over five years
The period covered the turn of the century
My land extends over the hills on the horizon
This farm covers some 200 acres

Cover

Provide for;
The grant doesn't cover my salary

Cover

Deal with verbally or in some form of artistic expression;
This book deals with incest
The course covered all of Western Civilization
The new book treats the history of China

Cover

Include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory;
This group encompasses a wide range of people from different backgrounds
This should cover everyone in the group

Cover

Travel across or pass over;
The caravan covered almost 100 miles each day

Cover

Be responsible for reporting the details of, as in journalism;
Snow reported on China in the 1950's
The cub reporter covered New York City

Cover

Hold within range of an aimed firearm

Cover

To take an action to protect against future problems;
Count the cash in the drawer twice just to cover yourself

Cover

Hide from view or knowledge;
The President covered the fact that he bugged the offices in the White House

Cover

Protect or defend (a position in a game);
He covered left field

Cover

Maintain a check on; especially by patrolling;
The second officer covered the top floor

Cover

Protect by insurance;
The insurance won't cover this

Cover

Make up for shortcomings or a feeling of inferiority by exaggerating good qualities;
He is compensating for being a bad father

Cover

Invest with a large or excessive amount of something;
She covered herself with glory

Cover

Help out by taking someone's place and temporarily assuming his responsibilities;
She is covering for our secretary who is ill this week

Cover

Be sufficient to meet, defray, or offset the charge or cost of;
Is this enough to cover the check?

Cover

Spread over a surface to conceal or protect;
This paint covers well

Cover

Cover as if with a shroud;
The origins of this civilization are shrouded in mystery

Cover

Copulate with a female, used especially of horses;
The horse covers the mare

Cover

Put something on top of something else;
Cover the meat with a lot of gravy

Cover

Play a higher card than the one previously played;
Smith covered again

Cover

Be responsible for guarding an opponent in a game

Cover

Sit on (eggs);
Birds brood
The female covers the eggs

Cover

Clothe, as if for protection from the elements;
Cover your head!

Common Curiosities

What does it mean to cover someone at work?

It means to assume someone's responsibilities or duties in their absence.

Can "covers" refer to insurance policies?

Yes, "covers" can refer to various types of insurance protections.

What is a book cover?

A book cover is the protective and decorative outer surface of a book.

Can "cover" be used as a verb?

Yes, "cover" can be used as a verb meaning to conceal, protect, or address a topic.

Is "covers" used in sports?

Yes, in sports, "covers" can refer to defense tactics, such as covering opposing players.

Can "cover" imply secrecy?

Yes, "cover" can imply concealing something, keeping it secret or protected.

Do covers always have to be of songs?

While commonly associated with music, "covers" can refer to any type of redoing or replication in different contexts.

Are covers in music always identical to the original?

No, covers often include personal or stylistic variations by the covering artist.

How does the context change the meaning of "cover" and "covers"?

The context, whether it's about music, work, literature, or protection, shapes how "cover" and "covers" are understood, from singular actions or items to multiple forms or instances.

Is a duvet cover the same as a bed cover?

A duvet cover specifically encloses a duvet, while a bed cover can be any covering used on a bed.

Do all books have covers?

In a physical sense, yes, though digital books might only have virtual covers.

What does "under cover" mean?

"Under cover" typically means concealed or in secret, often used in contexts like espionage.

How do artists choose songs to cover?

Artists might choose songs that resonate with them personally or that they feel they can bring a new perspective to.

What's the difference between a cover letter and a covering letter?

There's no significant difference; "cover letter" is more commonly used in the US, while "covering letter" is more common in the UK.

Can a single person perform multiple covers?

Yes, an individual artist can perform covers of multiple songs.

Share Your Discovery

Share via Social Media
Embed This Content
Embed Code
Share Directly via Messenger
Link
Previous Comparison
Policy vs. Legislation

Author Spotlight

Written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat

Popular Comparisons

Trending Comparisons

New Comparisons

Trending Terms