break cover

phrase

variants or less commonly break covert

: to run out suddenly from a hiding place, covert (see covert entry 2 sense 1), or lair

Word History

First Known Use

1723, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of break cover was in 1723

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

break camp

break cover

breakdance

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Break cover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/break%20cover. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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