ENGLISH
REFERENCE

clouds

n. countable
A1 Beginner US //ˈkɫaʊdz// UK //klˈaʊdz// clouds
SIMPLE

The sun disappeared behind the thick white clouds.

CONTEXTUAL

Dark clouds gathered over the valley, suggesting that a heavy storm would arrive before sunset.

COMPLEX

Meteorologists classify clouds based on their altitude and physical appearance, ranging from wispy cirrus formations to the towering, dark masses of cumulonimbus storm systems.

Usage

Commonly used in the plural when referring to the sky; the singular form often appears in metaphorical expressions like 'under a cloud'.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference