covering
/ˈkʌvərɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkʌvərɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkə-və-riŋ ˈkəv-/ (ame, mw)
covering — noun
- coveringsingular
- coveringsplural
1. something placed over an object or surface for protection, concealment, or decor
something placed over an object or surface for protection, concealment, or decoration — for example, a plastic sheet over a device, fabric over furniture, or straw over garden beds.
A thick covering of snow blanketed the garden after the winter storm.
covering of + [material]: snow, dust, ice
The old wooden chair had a faded fabric covering that was torn at the edges.
Megan peeled off the plastic covering from her new tablet screen.
Dust had settled everywhere, but Yuna put a covering over her piano to protect it.
The gardener spread a light covering of straw over the vegetable beds to protect them from frost.
- layer
more general; a covering is a type of layer, but layers can be internal (e.g., a layer of cake)
- coating
a thin covering of a substance spread over a surface, such as paint or chocolate
- blanket
a thick, complete covering that hides what is beneath, common in metaphors (a blanket of fog)
- wrap
a covering that is folded or wound around something, like a gift wrap
文法句型
a covering of + [material]
[material] covering
用法筆記
Often followed by 'of' and a noun describing the material: a covering of snow / ice / dust / straw. This sense is both countable (a covering) and uncountable (covering provides protection). Distinguish from 'cover' — a book has a cover (the outer binding), not a covering.
常見錯誤
covering — adjective
- coveringpositive
- more coveringcomparative
- most coveringsuperlative
1. used to describe a letter, email, or note that goes with another item and offers
used to describe a letter, email, or note that goes with another item and offers a short explanation or further details about it.
Please include a covering letter with your job application that explains why you are suitable for the role.
collocation: covering letter + job application
Amani sent a covering email to introduce the attached report to her manager, Walid.
The covering note listed all the documents that were enclosed in the envelope.
Applicants for the teaching post should attach a covering statement explaining their teaching philosophy.
- accompanying
more general; can describe any document sent along with something else
- introductory
emphasises the purpose of introducing rather than explaining
文法句型
covering + [document noun]
covering letter / covering email / covering note / covering statement
用法筆記
This adjective only appears before specific document nouns — mainly letter, email, note, and statement. It does not describe people or objects. In American English, 'cover letter' (two words, noun phrase) is more common than 'covering letter'.