covey

noun

cov·​ey ˈkə-vē 

plural coveys

1

: a mature bird or pair of birds with a brood of young

also : a small flock

2

: company, group

a covey of schoolchildren

Examples of covey in a Sentence

A covey of schoolchildren approached.

A covey of reporters came to the event.

Recent Examples on the Web

The two were part of a group quail hunting at a ranch in Texas when Cheney fired at a covey of quail, not realizing Whittington, who stayed behind to collect shot birds, had approached. —Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025

Among the highlights is her vast (and presumably growing) collection of awards, including her covey of CMA and ACM trophies and her 2024 Grammy for Best Country Album, and an array of stage wear that’s a fashionista’s feast. —Nancy Kruh, People.com, 19 July 2025

The bulk of the covey swung around my position in a sweeping curve. —H. R. Temple, Outdoor Life, 16 July 2025

Once hatched, the chicks feed on insects, and the family group stays together, forming a covey that will remain together into the fall. —Phil Bourjaily, Field & Stream, 28 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French covee sitting (of hen), from cover to sit on, brood over, from Latin cubare to lie

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

covey

noun

cov·​ey ˈkəv-ē 

plural coveys

1

: a small flock (as of quail)

2

: company sense 2a, group