cloudy
KLOW-dee
Cloudy (adj) means Covered with or full of clouds. Example: “It's been cloudy all week with barely a glimpse of sun.”
adj
1
Covered with or full of clouds.
"It's been cloudy all week with barely a glimpse of sun."
"The forecast calls for cloudy skies through the weekend."
2
Not clear or transparent.
"The apple juice looked cloudy compared to the filtered kind."
3
Uncertain or unclear (used figuratively).
"Her account of the accident grew cloudy under cross-examination."
How to use cloudy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFull of clouds, murky/not clear, or (figuratively) vague and uncertain.
Common pairings
cloudy sky
cloudy liquid
cloudy memory
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Word forms
- Comparative
- cloudier
- Superlative
- cloudiest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It's been _____ all week with barely a glimpse of sun.
Etymology
From Old English clūdig, originally "rocky" or "hilly," from the same root as "cloud."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for cloudy
See all rhymes for cloudy →Frequently asked questions
What does “cloudy” mean?
The word “cloudy” means covered with or full of clouds. In plain terms, full of clouds, murky/not clear, or (figuratively) vague and uncertain.
How do you pronounce “cloudy”?
“Cloudy” is pronounced KLOW-dee (/ˈklaʊ̯diː/ in IPA).
How do you use “cloudy” in a sentence?
Here is “cloudy” used in a sentence: “It's been cloudy all week with barely a glimpse of sun.”
What part of speech is “cloudy”?
“Cloudy” is an adjective.
Where does the word “cloudy” come from?
The word “cloudy” comes from Old English. From Old English clūdig, originally "rocky" or "hilly," from the same root as "cloud.".
Is “cloudy” a common word?
“Cloudy” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “cloudy” have?
“Cloudy” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: covered with or full of clouds.
What is the difference between 'cloudy' and 'overcast'?
'Cloudy' simply means covered with or full of clouds, while 'overcast' specifically describes a sky that is entirely covered by clouds with no breaks of sun. A day can be described as cloudy even if the cloud cover is only partial, whereas overcast implies total coverage.
Can 'cloudy' describe something other than the sky?
Yes, 'cloudy' also describes liquids or substances that are not clear or transparent, such as cloudy water or cloudy glass. It can additionally be used figuratively to describe something uncertain or unclear, such as cloudy judgment or a cloudy memory.
What does it mean when someone's thinking is described as 'cloudy'?
This is the figurative sense of 'cloudy,' meaning uncertain, unclear, or hard to make sense of, similar to how clouds obscure visibility. It suggests confusion rather than a literal lack of transparency.
