cover letter

[ kuhv-er let-er ]

noun

1. a letter that accompanies another letter, a package, or the like, to explain, commend, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cover letter¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Job applicants could now adjust résumés, customize cover letters and generate answers to any pre-interview questions or tests at speeds that were previously impossible.

From Salon

In Nuriddin’s packet of paperwork asking for consideration of the rule, a cover letter said that the “Election Research Institute respectfully submits this petition for adoption.”

From Salon

Some of the applicants possessed AI capital -- they had studied an 'AI in business' module -- and this was mentioned in their cover letter for the application.

From Science Daily

Polish your résumé and cover letter and get relentless about looking for new work, not only in your own field but in adjacent fields, too.

From New York Times

The cover letter that came with the check, he said, read like a campaign letter.

From Seattle Times