"Couverts" refers to the complete set of tableware used by each guest at a meal, including plates, glasses, utensils, and napkins.
The expression "avoir son couvert chez quelqu'un" means to be a regular guest at someone's home for meals.
Also worth reading: How do AI tax loss harvesting strategies work in 2026 and what are the best tools available? · What are the state EITC income limits and eligibility charts for 2026? · How is AI impacting gig economy workers in 2026 and what are the financial implications?
"Mettre le couvert" is the act of setting the table with all the necessary dining items, while "remettre le couvert" means to reset the table.
The word "couvert" can also describe something that is covered or protected, like a covered walkway or a building with a roof.
When the sky is overcast, it is described as being "couvert" in French.
The term "à mots couverts" is used to express something in a veiled or indirect manner.
Under the Ancien Régime in France, the "grand couvert" referred to the royal dinner served in public, while the "petit couvert" was a more private meal.
In French cuisine, a "couvert" can also refer to the cover charge or service fee added to a restaurant bill.
The word "couvert" is derived from the French verb "couvrir," meaning "to cover."
A "couvert de jardin" is a covered outdoor seating area or gazebo in a garden.
The plural "couverts" can be used to specifically mean the cutlery, such as knives, forks, and spoons, used at a meal.
In the context of agriculture, "semis sous couvert" refers to the practice of planting crops under the protection of an existing cover crop.
In architecture, "tuiles de couvert" are the hollow roof tiles used to create a waterproof surface.
In hunting, "couvert" can describe the vegetation or foliage that provides cover and concealment for game animals.
The phrase "sous le couvert de" is used to indicate that something is done under the guise or pretense of something else.
In the expression "vivre et couvert," "couvert" refers to the shelter and accommodation provided, in addition to food.
The term "couvert" can also describe a protective layer or covering, such as the "couvert de neige" (layer of snow) or the "couvert de poussière" (layer of dust).
In the context of a theater or concert, a "couvert" may refer to the minimum charge per person, often including a meal or drink.
The adjective "couvert" can be used to describe something that is concealed or hidden, as in "un visage couvert" (a covered face).
In the field of music, a "couvert" can refer to a musical arrangement that is a cover or interpretation of an existing song.