noun

overcast

OH-vuh-kahst

Overcast (noun) means a sky completely covered by cloud. Example: “A thick overcast rolled in from the coast by mid-morning.”

noun

A sky completely covered by cloud.

"A thick overcast rolled in from the coast by mid-morning."

adj

Covered by clouds; gloomy or gray.

"It was a cold, overcast afternoon with no sign of the sun."

verb

To cover with cloud, or figuratively, to make gloomy.

"Dark clouds began to overcast the valley before the storm hit."

How to use overcast

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCloudy weather with no visible sun, or a mood that feels similarly gray.

Common pairings

overcast sky overcast day gray and overcast

Word forms

more overcast comparative, overcast past tense, overcasted past tense, overcasts plural, overcasts singular, most overcast superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A thick _____ rolled in from the coast by mid-morning.

Etymology

From Middle English overcasten, from over- + cast — literally "thrown over" (like a cloud thrown over the sky).

Origin: Middle English

Frequently asked questions

What does “overcast” mean?

The word “overcast” means a sky completely covered by cloud. In plain terms, cloudy weather with no visible sun, or a mood that feels similarly gray.

How do you pronounce “overcast”?

“Overcast” is pronounced OH-vuh-kahst (/ˈoʊvɚ.kæst/ in IPA).

How do you use “overcast” in a sentence?

Here is “overcast” used in a sentence: “A thick overcast rolled in from the coast by mid-morning.”

What part of speech is “overcast”?

Depending on how it is used, “overcast” can be a noun, an adjective and a verb.

Where does the word “overcast” come from?

The word “overcast” comes from Middle English. From Middle English overcasten, from over- + cast — literally "thrown over" (like a cloud thrown over the sky).

How many meanings does “overcast” have?

“Overcast” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sky completely covered by cloud.