cloud
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.a white or grey mass of water drops floating in the sky.
n.a visible mass of condensed water vapour or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere.
Simple“The sun disappeared behind a thick dark cloud just before the rain started.”
In context“Wispy cirrus clouds streaked the upper atmosphere, indicating a change in weather patterns as the cold front approached from the north.”
Synonyms - 02 B1 Intermediate
n.a way to store and use information on the internet instead of on your own computer.
n.a network of remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage, and process data.
Simple“I save all my photos to the cloud so I can see them on my phone.”
In context“The enterprise migrated its entire database to the cloud to ensure seamless accessibility for its global workforce.”
UsageUsually used with the definite article: 'the cloud'.
Synonymsonline storageremote serverAntonymslocal storage - 03 B1 Intermediate
n.a large amount of dust, smoke, or insects moving together through the air.
n.a large, moving mass of particles or organisms suspended in the air.
Simple“A cloud of dust rose from the road as the truck drove past.”
In context“The explosion sent a massive cloud of ash into the stratosphere, disrupting air travel across the continent for several days.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a feeling or situation that makes you feel sad or worried.
n.a state or cause of gloom, suspicion, or trouble hanging over a person or situation.
Simple“The news of the factory closing cast a cloud over the whole town.”
In context“The scandal cast a persistent cloud over his political career, making it difficult for him to regain the public's trust.”
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to make something difficult to see through or difficult to understand.
v.to make something obscure, confused, or less clear.
Simple“Don't let your anger cloud your judgment when you make this decision.”
In context“The witness's testimony served only to cloud the issue further, introducing several contradictions that the jury found difficult to reconcile.”
- 06 B1 Intermediate
v.to become covered with steam or mist so you cannot see through it.
v.to become opaque or obscured by moisture or a film.
Simple“The bathroom mirror started to cloud over while I was taking a hot shower.”
In context“His glasses clouded up immediately as he stepped from the freezing winter air into the humid greenhouse.”
UsageOften used with 'over' or 'up'.
Synonymsmist overfog up
Usage cloud of gas · cloud cover · clouds of dust