storm cloud: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “storm cloud” mean?
A large, dark, and often threatening cloud associated with a storm or heavy rain.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, dark, and often threatening cloud associated with a storm or heavy rain.
A portent of trouble, difficulty, or danger; a figurative sign of impending conflict or disaster.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference; both varieties use the compound noun 'storm cloud(s)'. Figurative use is equally common.
Connotations
Slightly more literary or dramatic in figurative use. The singular form 'a storm cloud' often implies a single, specific threat, while 'storm clouds' suggests gathering, multiple troubles.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties. Figurative use is common in news and political commentary.
Grammar
How to Use “storm cloud” in a Sentence
[storm clouds] + V (gather, loom, form, appear)V (see, watch, notice) + [storm clouds]under/behind/beneath + [a storm cloud]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “storm cloud” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The political scandal storm-clouded the Prime Minister's final months in office.
American English
- The new trade tariffs could storm-cloud an already fragile economic recovery.
adverb
British English
- She looked storm-cloudily out of the window, anticipating the argument.
American English
- The negotiations proceeded storm-cloudily, with little hope of agreement.
adjective
British English
- He had a storm-cloud expression when he heard the news.
American English
- The meeting ended in a storm-cloud silence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
used metaphorically to describe looming economic troubles or market downturns (e.g., 'Storm clouds are gathering over the retail sector').
Academic
used in geography and meteorology to describe specific cloud formations; used figuratively in political science/history to describe pre-conflict tensions.
Everyday
used literally to describe the weather; used figuratively in conversation to warn of potential arguments or problems.
Technical
in meteorology, refers specifically to cumulonimbus clouds associated with thunderstorms, hail, or tornadoes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “storm cloud”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “storm cloud”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “storm cloud”
- Using 'stormy cloud' (incorrect adjective-noun combination). Forgetting the space in the compound noun: 'stormcloud' is less common. Using the plural figuratively when a singular threat is meant.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While sometimes seen, the standard and more common form is the two-word compound noun 'storm cloud'. Dictionaries typically list it as two words.
Not precisely. It specifically implies a cloud associated with an active or imminent storm (rain, thunder, wind). A simple dark rain cloud might just be a 'dark cloud' or 'rain cloud'.
Use it as a countable noun, often plural. Common verbs are 'gather', 'loom', 'appear'. Structure: '[Storm clouds] + [verb] + [over/of] + [situation]'. E.g., 'Storm clouds are gathering over the negotiations.'
'A storm cloud' often suggests a single, defined threat or problem. 'Storm clouds' (plural) suggests multiple, diffuse, or gathering troubles, creating a more ominous atmosphere.
A large, dark, and often threatening cloud associated with a storm or heavy rain.
Storm cloud is usually neutral in register.
Storm cloud: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɔːm klaʊd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɔːrm klaʊd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “every cloud has a silver lining”
- “on cloud nine”
- “under a cloud”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a STORM about to start, and you look up to see a CLOUD that's dark and threatening. The two words together make the threat clear.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROBLEMS ARE STORMS / THE FUTURE IS THE WEATHER / A THREAT IS A DARK CLOUD.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best captures the figurative meaning of 'storm clouds'?