cover letter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to neutral, predominantly business/professional.
Quick answer
What does “cover letter” mean?
A letter sent with a CV/resume when applying for a job, explaining your interest and suitability for the position.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A letter sent with a CV/resume when applying for a job, explaining your interest and suitability for the position.
A formal document accompanying a submission (e.g., a manuscript, proposal, or application) that introduces and contextualises the enclosed materials.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is standard in both varieties. 'Covering letter' is a less common but accepted British variant.
Connotations
Same core meaning. In UK English, the act is sometimes called 'writing a letter of application,' though 'cover letter' is dominant.
Frequency
'Cover letter' is significantly more common than 'covering letter' in both varieties in modern corpora.
Grammar
How to Use “cover letter” in a Sentence
submit a cover letter for [position]attach a cover letter to [application/CV]tailor a cover letter to [company/job ad]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cover letter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Remember to cover letter your application properly.
American English
- You should cover letter every job submission.
adjective
British English
- The cover-letter advice was invaluable.
American English
- Follow cover-letter best practices.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Essential for job applications; expected by recruiters.
Academic
Used when submitting articles to journals or applying for grants/academic posts.
Everyday
Primarily in job-seeking contexts.
Technical
May be part of formal submission guidelines in publishing or procurement.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cover letter”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cover letter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cover letter”
- Writing a generic cover letter not tailored to the specific job.
- Making it too long (should be one page).
- Repeating the CV verbatim instead of highlighting key matches.
- Spelling: 'coverletter' as one word (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically one page or less, consisting of 3-4 concise paragraphs.
Yes, whenever possible. Research to find the hiring manager's name. If unsure, use 'Dear Hiring Manager' or 'Dear [Department] Team.'
Often, yes. Treat the box as a shorter version of a cover letter, but if you can attach a separate document, it allows for a more detailed and formatted presentation.
They are very similar. 'Motivation letter' is more common in European academic contexts and may place slightly more emphasis on personal motivation and fit with an institution's values, while a cover letter is more directly tied to a job application.
A letter sent with a CV/resume when applying for a job, explaining your interest and suitability for the position.
Cover letter is usually formal to neutral, predominantly business/professional. in register.
Cover letter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkʌvə ˌletə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkʌvər ˌlɛdər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not idiom-rich]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a LETTER with a job application hiding under it, asking the document to COVER for it and introduce it properly.
Conceptual Metaphor
A COVER LETTER IS A PERSONAL AMBASSADOR (represents and advocates for you). A COVER LETTER IS A BRIDGE (connects your CV to the specific job).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a cover letter?