slipcover
UK[ˈslɪpˌkʌvə]US[ˈslɪpˌkʌvər]
n
a fitted protective or decorative cover that can be easily put on or taken off a piece of furniture, such as a sofa or chair.
Morpheme Breakdown
slip
cover
slip
to move smoothly
cover
something that protects or conceals
Etymology
the word 'slipcover' is a transparent compound formed from two english verbs turned nouns. the first element, 'slip', carries its sense of smooth, easy motion, implying the cover is designed to be put on and taken off with minimal effort. the second element, 'cover', denotes its primary function of enclosing and protecting the furniture beneath. as a compound, it logically describes a functional household item through the combined action of its parts: a cover that slips on. this modern formation reflects a practical, descriptive approach to naming common objects.
Analysis
Structure: slip (to move smoothly) + cover (something that protects or conceals)
'slip' is from middle english 'slippen', of old english or middle low german origin, meaning to move smoothly and easily. 'cover' is from old french 'covrir', from latin 'cooperire', meaning to protect or conceal something.
Examples
she bought a new floral slipcover to refresh her old armchair.
the white slipcover can be removed and washed easily.
they used a protective slipcover on the sofa during the renovation.