Cowlings are coverings or shells that are used to protect or enclose mechanical or structural components. There are several synonyms for the word cowling such as casing, covering, shell, hood, shroud, wrapper, envelope, jacket, and cloak. Each synonym has its own specific definition and may be used in different contexts depending on the object being described. For example, an engine cowling may be referred to as a casing or a hood, while a building's outer cowling could be called a shell or an envelope. It is important to use the appropriate synonym to accurately describe the object and convey the intended meaning.