body covering
- noun
- Athletes often choose breathable body coverings that help regulate their temperature during competition.
Examples
-
The fur on the animal serves as its natural body covering, providing warmth and protection.
-
Sunscreen, head and body coverings, and insect repellent for outdoor musical activities should also keep performers in better overall physical shape.
Academic text (2006) -
She wore a stylish body covering made of lightweight fabric to shield herself from the sun.
Synonyms
The outer layer covering the body of a person or animal
A thing like a lid or blanket that lies over something to keep it safe
The hair or fur that covers an animal's body
A thing placed over something to protect or hide it
An outer layer on animals or plants that keeps them safe from harm
How Protective
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly and compositionally derived from 'body' (physical structure) + 'covering' (a layer placed over something); a B1 learner who knows both words can readily infer this refers to skin, fur, scales, clothing, etc. This simple noun–noun composition is common in English and across languages, so the phrase is immediately comprehensible without prior exposure.
Etymology
Body covering joins body and covering, so imagine skin, fur, or clothes wrapped around a person or animal to keep them warm and safe. That's why it means 'a layer or thing that covers and protects the body'.