What does covey mean?
A covey is a small flock of birds, most specifically partridges or quail, making it one of the many precise collective nouns English offers for animals. The word is firmly rooted in hunting tradition, where sportsmen speak of flushing or raising a covey from cover, and it remains the standard term in both ornithology and field sports. Beyond its literal sense, covey can describe a small cluster of people, though this figurative use carries a faintly old-fashioned or playful flavor today — writers have spoken of a covey of admirers or a covey of children. The word suggests compactness and close association rather than a vast multitude. For anyone interested in hunting literature, country writing, or the rich texture of English collective nouns, covey is a word worth knowing, adding color and precision where a plain word like "group" would fall flat.
A small flock of birds, especially partridges or quail.
"The pointer froze, scenting a covey hidden in the bramble."
The standard collective noun for partridges and quail.
Figuratively, a small group or gathering of people.
"A covey of reporters waited by the stage door."
Somewhat dated; often used with a light, whimsical tone.
Standard pluralization applies.
"Several coveys were sighted across the valley that morning."
"Covey" once meant any small gathering — Victorian writers spoke of "a covey of beauties" long before birdwatchers claimed it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of covey
Covey entered English in the late Middle Ages (attested by the early 15th century), borrowed from Old French "covee," meaning a brood of birds hatched at one time, which derives ultimately from Latin "cubare," meaning to lie down or incubate eggs. The same Latin root underlies words such as incubate and cubicle. The original sense of a brood of chicks narrowed in English to denote a small flock of game birds.
How covey is actually used
Primarily used as the collective term for partridges and quail in hunting and ornithological contexts. The figurative use for groups of people is somewhat dated but still appears, often with a light or slightly whimsical tone.
Easily confused with covey
A cavity is a hollow space or hole, whereas a covey is a small group of birds or people.