covering letter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal (primarily business/administrative)
Quick answer
What does “covering letter” mean?
A letter sent with a CV, application form, or other documents to explain or introduce them.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A letter sent with a CV, application form, or other documents to explain or introduce them.
A formal written document that accompanies submitted materials, typically to express interest in a job, summarise key qualifications, and highlight relevant parts of an application.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, "covering letter" is standard. In American English, "cover letter" is universally used; "covering letter" is rare and may be perceived as a Britishism.
Connotations
Both terms are neutral and functional. 'Cover letter' (AmE) is slightly more succinct and integrated as a fixed compound.
Frequency
"Covering letter" is high-frequency in UK professional contexts. In the US, "cover letter" is extremely high-frequency; "covering letter" is very low-frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “covering letter” in a Sentence
[applicant] writes a covering letter to [employer].[covering letter] accompanies [CV/application].[covering letter] outlines [key points].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “covering letter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Please ensure you cover your application with a suitable letter.
- She covered her submission with a detailed explanation.
American English
- You should cover your resume with a strong letter.
- He covered the proposal with a persuasive note.
adverb
British English
- He sent the documents covering-letter first.
- (Rare usage)
American English
- (Rarely used adverbially)
adjective
British English
- The covering-letter format is typically one page.
- Follow standard covering-letter conventions.
American English
- The cover-letter advice was invaluable.
- Use a professional cover-letter template.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Essential for job applications, grant proposals, or formal submissions.
Academic
Used when submitting papers to journals or applying for research positions.
Everyday
Rarely used outside of formal application processes.
Technical
Not a technical term; used in HR, recruitment, and administrative contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “covering letter”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “covering letter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “covering letter”
- Using "covering letter" in American English (use 'cover letter').
- Forgetting to tailor it to the specific job.
- Making it too long (should be concise).
- Misspelling as 'coverletter' (should be two words or hyphenated: cover-letter).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A CV (curriculum vitae/resume) lists your experience and skills. A covering letter is a separate document that introduces you and explains why you are applying.
Typically one page, concise and focused on key points relevant to the specific application.
It is strongly advised against. You should tailor each covering letter to match the specific job description and company.
Yes, if the application system provides a field or option for one. It is your opportunity to make a personalised case beyond the data in your CV.
A letter sent with a CV, application form, or other documents to explain or introduce them.
Covering letter is usually formal (primarily business/administrative) in register.
Covering letter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkʌvərɪŋ ˌletə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkʌvərɪŋ ˌlɛtɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No idioms directly associated; it is itself a fixed phrase.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of it LITERALLY: a letter that COVERS (goes on top of/serves as a front for) your other documents.
Conceptual Metaphor
A COVERING LETTER IS A FORMAL WRAPPER/INTRODUCTION.
Practice
Quiz
Which term is standard in American English for a letter accompanying a job application?