cloud
KLOWD
Cloud (noun) means a visible mass of water droplets floating in the sky. Example: “Dark clouds rolled in just before the storm hit.”
noun
1
A visible mass of water droplets floating in the sky.
"Dark clouds rolled in just before the storm hit."
"Not a single cloud marred the clear blue sky."
"A single white cloud drifted slowly across the afternoon sky."
2
A mass of dust, smoke, or similar particles hanging in the air.
"A cloud of dust followed the truck down the dirt road."
"A thick cloud of smoke rose from the bonfire and drifted across the field."
"When the builders knocked down the wall, a cloud of fine grey dust filled the room."
3
Remote internet-based computing and storage, thought of as an abstract space rather than a physical machine.
"All our files are backed up automatically to the cloud."
"I keep my photos in the cloud so I can open them on any device."
"Many small firms now run their email and software from the cloud instead of an office server."
verb
1
To make something unclear, gloomy, or hard to see or think about.
"Grief clouded her judgment for months after the loss."
"Don't let anger cloud your thinking before you make such an important choice."
"Heavy steam clouded the bathroom mirror, so he could barely see his own face."
How to use cloud
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA mass of water vapor in the sky, or by extension, anything that obscures things — including, today, remote data storage on the internet.
Common pairings
storm cloud
cloud computing
cloud of doubt
cloud storage
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Word forms
- Plural
- clouds
- Third person singular
- clouds
- Past tense
- clouded
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Dark _____ rolled in just before the storm hit.
Etymology
From Old English clūd, originally meaning "rock" or "hill" — the sense shifted to describe cloud formations because they resembled distant hills in the sky.
Related words
Rhymes for cloud
See all rhymes for cloud →Frequently asked questions
What does “cloud” mean?
The word “cloud” means a visible mass of water droplets floating in the sky. In plain terms, a mass of water vapor in the sky, or by extension, anything that obscures things — including, today, remote data storage on the internet.
How do you pronounce “cloud”?
“Cloud” is pronounced KLOWD (/ˈklaʊ̯d/ in IPA).
How do you use “cloud” in a sentence?
Here is “cloud” used in a sentence: “Dark clouds rolled in just before the storm hit.”
What part of speech is “cloud”?
Depending on how it is used, “cloud” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “cloud” come from?
The word “cloud” comes from Old English. From Old English clūd, originally meaning "rock" or "hill" — the sense shifted to describe cloud formations because they resembled distant hills in the sky.
Is “cloud” a common word?
“Cloud” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “cloud” have?
“Cloud” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a visible mass of water droplets floating in the sky.
What are the main types of clouds?
Meteorologists group clouds by shape and height. The main families are cumulus, which are puffy and cotton-like; stratus, flat layered sheets; cirrus, thin and wispy strands high in the sky; and nimbus clouds, which carry rain. These combine into names like cumulonimbus, the towering clouds that bring thunderstorms.
How are clouds formed?
Clouds form when warm air rises and cools, causing the water vapour it carries to condense into tiny droplets or ice crystals around specks of dust. When enough of these gather together, they become visible as a cloud. If the droplets grow heavy enough, they fall as rain, snow, or hail.
What is the difference between a cloud and fog?
They are essentially the same thing, a visible mass of water droplets, but at different heights. A cloud floats in the sky, while fog is simply a cloud that forms at or near ground level. If a cloud descends to where you could walk through it, you would call it fog.
Why are clouds important?
Clouds are a vital part of the water cycle, carrying moisture across the planet and releasing it as rain or snow that feeds rivers, crops, and drinking supplies. They also help regulate temperature by reflecting sunlight during the day and trapping warmth at night, making them central to both weather and climate.
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