uncover

verb

un·​cov·​er ən-ˈkə-vər How to pronounce uncover (audio)
uncovered; uncovering; uncovers

transitive verb

1
: to make known : bring to light : disclose, reveal
uncover the truth
2
: to expose to view by removing some covering
3
a
: to take the cover from
b
: to remove the hat from
uncovered his head
4
: to deprive of protection

intransitive verb

1
: to remove a cover or covering
2
: to take off the hat as a token of respect

Examples of uncover in a Sentence

Police uncovered a criminal plot. Archaeologists uncovered the ruins of an ancient city.
Recent Examples on the Web Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of the oldest wooden structure on record: a pair of interlocking logs connected by a notch that date to 476,000 years ago. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Sep. 2023 Over the weekend, California filed a massive lawsuit against several oil companies, and NPR reported that the state is likely to use the documents uncovered by the Journal in court. Molly Taft, The New Republic, 22 Sep. 2023 In four stories published so far this year, The Post has uncovered new details about the tactics China is employing to execute what amounts to a global leap. Washington Post Staff, Washington Post, 21 Sep. 2023 Female glass lizards do not actively defend their eggs and will usually abandon them if the nest becomes uncovered. Sarah Claire McDonald The Island Packet (hilton Head Island, S.c.) (tns), al, 19 Sep. 2023 But investigations have also uncovered the horrific treatment of animals at organic dairy farms. Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 19 Sep. 2023 Hutchinson suggested that a House Republican push to open an impeachment inquiry against President Biden might be premature given the facts that have been uncovered so far. Will Weissert and Thomas Beaumont, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Sep. 2023 Grill onion wedges, uncovered, turning often, until charred and tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2023 The secret to the barbecue’s splendid flavor isn’t hard to uncover: just peek around the back of the building at the massive mounds of split oak logs beside the pit house. Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'uncover.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of uncover was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near uncover

Cite this Entry

“Uncover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncover. Accessed 26 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

uncover

verb
un·​cov·​er ˌən-ˈkəv-ər How to pronounce uncover (audio)
1
: to make known : disclose, reveal
uncover a plot
2
: to expose to view by removing some covering
uncover the ruins of an ancient city
3
a
: to take the cover from
uncover the box
b
: to remove the hat from
c
: to take off one's hat as a sign of respect

More from Merriam-Webster on uncover

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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