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
1
A sky completely covered by cloud.
"A thick overcast rolled in from the coast by mid-morning."
adj
1
Covered by clouds; gloomy or gray.
"It was a cold, overcast afternoon with no sign of the sun."
verb
1
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 notesIn plain EnglishCloudy weather with no visible sun, or a mood that feels similarly gray.
Common pairings
overcast sky
overcast day
gray and overcast
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like overcast.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- overcasts
- Third person singular
- overcasts
- Past tense
- overcasted
- Comparative
- more overcast
- Superlative
- most overcast
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).
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
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.
