blanket

Everyday

1. A blanket is a large piece of warm cloth used to cover you in bed or keep you warm. tree →
2. A blanket of something is a thick covering of it, like a blanket of snow or fog. tree →
3. To blanket means to cover something completely. tree →
4. A blanket rule is one that covers every case. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, children snuggle under blankets and take picnic blankets to the park. In safety, a fire blanket smothers a pan fire in the kitchen (never throw water on burning oil), and a foil emergency blanket keeps someone warm after an accident. In science, a blanket keeps you warm because it traps air and stops heat escaping; it does not make heat itself. In stories, «a blanket of snow» covers the town. Phrases: fire blanket, picnic blanket, security blanket, wet blanket, a blanket of snow.

Examples

• Grab a blanket; it's cold tonight. tree →
• We sat on a picnic blanket in the park. tree →
• A blanket of snow covered the garden. tree →
• Fog blanketed the town. tree →
• The fire blanket is on the kitchen wall. tree →
• My baby sister carries her blanket everywhere. tree →
• Blankets keep you warm by trapping heat. tree →
• Don't be a wet blanket; come and join in! tree →

Note

Countable: a blanket, blankets. Science trap: a blanket does not warm things up; it stops heat moving, which is why a blanket can also keep ice cubes cold longer. A «wet blanket» is someone who spoils fun.