glooms: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very low frequency, literary/formal)Literary, poetic, formal. Rare in everyday speech.
Quick answer
What does “glooms” mean?
A dark, depressing atmosphere.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dark, depressing atmosphere; a state of melancholy or sadness.
Can refer to spells of pervasive low spirits, or to multiple distinct instances of a gloomy atmosphere. It is also a third-person singular verb meaning 'to appear or become dark and melancholic'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning. The verbal use is equally rare in both variants.
Connotations
Conveys a stronger, more literary, and possibly more dated feel than the singular 'gloom'.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, slightly more likely in British literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “glooms” in a Sentence
The [noun] glooms (over something/someone).He/she glooms (in/over [place/state]).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “glooms” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He often glooms in his study when it rains.
- A sense of dread glooms over the empty manor.
American English
- She just glooms around the house all weekend.
- Failure glooms over his every attempt.
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable.]
American English
- [Not applicable.]
adjective
British English
- [Not applicable. 'Gloomy' is the adjective.]
American English
- [Not applicable. 'Gloomy' is the adjective.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, potentially in literary or historical analysis (e.g., 'the glooms of the Victorian psyche').
Everyday
Extremely rare. The singular 'gloom' is preferred.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “glooms”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “glooms”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “glooms”
- Using 'glooms' in everyday conversation sounds unnatural. Overusing the plural form where the singular is intended.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and used almost exclusively in literary or formal contexts. The singular 'gloom' is far more common.
Yes, but it is archaic or highly poetic. It means 'to be or become dark and melancholy'. Example: 'He glooms in the corner.'
'Gloom' is the standard singular noun for a state of darkness or sadness. 'Glooms' is the plural, suggesting multiple distinct episodes or an intensified, pervasive state, and is literary.
For most learners, no. It is a passive, recognition-level word (C2). Actively using the singular 'gloom' and adjective 'gloomy' is sufficient for clear communication.
A dark, depressing atmosphere.
Glooms is usually literary, poetic, formal. rare in everyday speech. in register.
Glooms: in British English it is pronounced /ɡluːmz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡlumz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'glooms']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of multiple grey, looming clouds: 'glooms'.
Conceptual Metaphor
SADNESS IS DARKNESS / EMOTIONAL STATES ARE WEATHER SYSTEMS.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'glooms' most appropriately used?