A blanket is a large piece of soft fabric used to keep warm, usually on a bed or while resting. Most blankets are made of wool, cotton, or synthetic materials, designed to trap body heat while you sleep. People also use blankets for picnics, camping, or curling up on the couch with a good book.

The word takes on interesting meanings beyond the bedroom. A blanket of snow covers the ground in winter, completely hiding the grass beneath. When someone makes a blanket statement, they're making a claim that tries to cover every possible situation, like saying “all vegetables taste bad” instead of “I don't like Brussels sprouts.” These blanket statements are often unfair because they ignore important differences and exceptions.

You might also hear about blanket permission or blanket approval, which means a single permission that covers many situations at once. If your teacher gives blanket permission for the class to use art supplies whenever they need them, students don't have to ask each time.

The term security blanket refers to something that makes a person feel safe and comfortable, originally from the blanket young children carry around. Linus in the Peanuts comic strip famously carries his security blanket everywhere.

As a verb, blanket means to cover something completely. Snow can blanket a neighborhood overnight, or fog can blanket a valley.