cover-up

noun

cov·​er-up ˈkə-vər-ˌəp How to pronounce cover-up (audio)
1
a
: a device or stratagem for masking or concealing
his garrulousness is a cover-up for insecurity
b
: a usually concerted effort to keep an illegal or unethical act or situation from being made public
2
: a loose outer garment

Examples of cover-up in a Sentence

that contrived burglary was just a cover-up for murder
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.
The couple's post-wedding beach outing saw Charli donning a white, deep-V neck one-piece bathing suit, plus a sheer white cape cover-up and her signature chunky black sunglasses. Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025 There’s corruption, cover-ups, a tabloid journalist (Danny DeVito) whispering in people’s ears, and a Veronica Lake lookalike named Lynn (Kim Basinger, who won an Oscar for her performance) who’s caught in the middle of everything. Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025 The timing and bluntness of Musk’s statement ignited social platforms, as supporters and skeptics alike debated the possibility of corporate malfeasance or cover-up. Preston Fore, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025 Both mother and daughter accessorized their looks with a white cover-up. Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cover-up

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cover-up was in 1927

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cover-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cover-up. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

cover-up

noun
cov·​er-up
ˈkəv-ə-ˌrəp
: a planned effort to conceal a wrongful act or situation

More from Merriam-Webster on cover-up

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