Covered Writer: translation
An options seller who owns the underlying security represented by the options contract. A covered writer holds the underlying security as a hedge against the options contract. If the options contract is exercised, the covered writer can "cover" the contract because he or she holds the underlying security. Options are contracts that give the buyer the right but not the obligation to buy (call) or sell (put) shares at a particular price and future date.
Covered options writers limit risk by owning the underlying security. The covered writer profits by receiving premiums paid by the purchaser of the options contract. Covered writing is generally more conservative that naked writing, where the options seller does not own the underlying security.