cloud base: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “cloud base” mean?
The lowest altitude at which the base of a cloud or cloud layer is visible from the ground.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The lowest altitude at which the base of a cloud or cloud layer is visible from the ground.
In a metaphorical sense, a foundational or baseline level of computing, data storage, or services provided over the internet, often referring to the core infrastructure layer (IaaS).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Spelling follows regional norms (e.g., 'metres' vs. 'feet' for altitude units in technical reports).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both meteorology and computing contexts.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in everyday speech but standard in relevant technical fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “cloud base” in a Sentence
The cloud base [verb: lowered/rose] to 500 metres.We measured the cloud base at [altitude].A low cloud base [verb: obscured/prevented] visibility.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In IT contexts: 'Our strategy focuses on the cloud base, providing scalable infrastructure.'
Academic
In meteorology papers: 'The study correlates surface humidity with cloud base variability.'
Everyday
Rare. Possible in travel/weather: 'The low cloud base meant our flight was delayed.'
Technical
Standard in aviation weather reports and cloud computing architecture diagrams.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cloud base”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cloud base”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cloud base”
- Using 'cloud base' to mean 'cloud-based service'. (Incorrect: 'This software is cloud base.' Correct: 'This software is cloud-based.')
- Omitting the article: 'Pilot reported cloud base of 1000ft.' (Better: '...a cloud base of...')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Cloud base' is a noun phrase referring to an altitude or a foundational layer. 'Cloud-based' is an adjective meaning a service or application runs on the internet ('in the cloud').
It is measured in metres or feet above ground level (AGL) using instruments like ceilometers, by pilot reports, or by calculating from temperature and dew point.
It is very rare. It would only come up in specific situations like discussing aviation, hiking in mountainous weather, or in-depth IT infrastructure talks.
In aviation meteorology, they are often synonymous. 'Ceiling' has a more specific regulatory definition (e.g., broken or overcast cloud cover), while 'base' can refer to any cloud layer's bottom.
The lowest altitude at which the base of a cloud or cloud layer is visible from the ground.
Cloud base is usually technical/formal in register.
Cloud base: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklaʊd ˌbeɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklaʊd ˌbeɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On cloud nine (note: this is unrelated semantically but a common confusion due to the word 'cloud')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a building (the cloud) with its BASE touching the ground. The cloud base is where the fluffy part starts from the viewer's perspective.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOUDS ARE LAYERED OBJECTS / INFRASTRUCTURE IS A BUILDING (computing). The base is the foundational layer.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'cloud base' most likely to be used?