covering

word · lemma: cover

/ˈkəvɝɪŋ/
KUH-vur-ing
/kˈʌvəɹɪŋ/
KUH-vuh-ring

Definition

A covering is something that lies over or protects the surface of something else. It can be a physical layer, like cloth or plastic, or a natural outer layer.

Usage & Nuances

Most commonly a noun here, meaning a layer or material over something. Common combinations include 'floor covering', 'protective covering', and 'cloud covering'. Do not confuse it with the verb form in sentences like 'She is covering the table', where 'covering' is part of the verb 'cover'.

Example Sentences

The book has a plastic covering.

basic

The seeds have a hard outer covering.

basic

We put a covering over the sofa to keep it clean.

basic

The phone came with a thin protective covering on the screen.

natural

Once we removed the dust covering, the table looked brand new.

natural

There was a thick cloud covering over the mountains all morning.

natural