noun
quilt; bedspread; bedcover
A thick cover placed over a futon or bed for warmth; similar to a Western quilt or bedspread.
寒い夜は上掛けをもう一枚かける。
On cold nights, I put on another quilt.
noun
kotatsu quilt cover
Specifically the decorative cover placed over the quilt of a kotatsu (heated table).
See also: 炬燵
この上掛けは炬燵布団の上に敷くものです。
This cover is meant to be placed over the kotatsu quilt.
noun
A loose outer garment worn over clothes; somewhat old-fashioned or specialized, often used in historical or work contexts.
職人は作業着の上に上掛けを羽織っていた。
The craftsman wore a smock over his work clothes.
Compound of 上 (うわ, 'upper') + 掛け (かけ, 'covering'). The reading うわがけ is standard; うわかけ is a less common variant.