clouds
n. countable A1 Beginner US //ˈkɫaʊdz// UK //klˈaʊdz// clouds
n. white or grey shapes in the sky made of tiny drops of water. They can look like soft wool or dark smoke before it rains.
n. visible masses of condensed water vapour or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere. Often used metaphorically to describe a state of gloom or confusion.
The sun disappeared behind the thick white clouds.
Dark clouds gathered over the valley, suggesting that a heavy storm would arrive before sunset.
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'.