Definition

1. Noun:
   • A removable plastic protective covering for a piece of equipment: A "dust cover" is a shield, often made of plastic or fabric, designed to be placed over an object like a computer, stereo, or machine to protect it from dust and dirt when not in use.
   • A large piece of cloth used to cover furniture that is not in use for a long period: A "dust cover" is a large protective sheet, typically made of cloth or plastic, draped over furniture such as sofas, chairs, or tables to prevent the accumulation of dust during storage or prolonged disuse.
   • A paper jacket for a book; a jacket on which promotional information is usually printed: A "dust cover" (also called a dust jacket) is the removable outer paper cover of a hardcover book, often illustrated and containing the book's title, author, and promotional blurbs.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Always put the dust cover on your turntable when you're not listening to records.
  • We placed dust covers over all the armchairs before leaving the summer house for the winter.
  • The book's dust cover was torn, but the hardcover beneath was in perfect condition.

Advanced Usage

• "Slip into a dust cover": To quickly place a protective cover over something.
  • Before the construction started, we slipped dust covers over all the electronics.

Variants and Related Words

• Dust jacket (n): Specifically refers to the paper cover of a book. This is a direct synonym for the third definition.
  • The first edition is valuable, especially with its original dust jacket.
• Dust sheet (n): A large cloth, often used by painters or during renovations, to protect surfaces from dust and debris. This is related to the furniture-covering definition.
  • The painters spread dust sheets over the floor before starting.

Synonyms

• Protective cover: A general term for any covering that provides protection.
• Dust shield: Emphasizes the protective function against dust.
• Book jacket: Specifically for the paper cover on a book.

Related Phrases

• Under dust covers: Describes items that are stored or protected with these covers.
  • The vintage car sat under dust covers in the garage for decades.

Noun

1. a removable plastic protective covering for a piece of equipment
2. a large piece of cloth used to cover furniture that is not in use for a long period
3. a paper jacket for a book; a jacket on which promotional information is usually printed