thundercloud: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Literary, Formal, Everyday
Quick answer
What does “thundercloud” mean?
A large, dark cloud that produces thunder and lightning.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, dark cloud that produces thunder and lightning.
1. An ominous, threatening, or gloomy presence, situation, or atmosphere. 2. A harbinger of trouble or conflict. 3. Used metaphorically to describe a person's angry or brooding mood.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or primary usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Identical strong metaphorical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in literary contexts; equally understood in both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “thundercloud” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] thundercloud [VERBed] over [PLACE].A thundercloud of [ABSTRACT NOUN] hung over them.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thundercloud” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The sky began to thundercloud ominously in the west.
- His expression thunderclouded as he read the report.
American English
- Her face thunderclouded with anger.
- Relations between the departments have thunderclouded this quarter.
adverb
British English
- He stared thundercloudily out the window.
- The sky loomed thundercloudily above.
American English
- She sat thundercloudily in the corner.
- The negotiations proceeded thundercloudily.
adjective
British English
- She had a thundercloud expression.
- The thundercloud menace was palpable.
American English
- His thundercloud mood ruined the dinner.
- They faced a thundercloud future.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, but used metaphorically: 'A thundercloud of regulatory uncertainty is gathering over the sector.'
Academic
Used in literary analysis, meteorology, and atmospheric sciences.
Everyday
Used for weather descriptions and metaphorical talk about moods or tense situations: 'You could see the thundercloud on his face.'
Technical
In meteorology, a specific type of cumulonimbus cloud associated with thunderstorms.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “thundercloud”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “thundercloud”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thundercloud”
- Misspelling as two words: 'thunder cloud'. It is a closed compound noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In its core meteorological sense, it is neutral (a descriptive term). However, its overwhelming metaphorical use carries negative connotations of threat, anger, or gloom.
Yes, but it's rare and stylistically marked (often poetic or literary). It means to become dark and threatening, like a thundercloud, either literally (sky) or metaphorically (a person's face, a situation).
They are largely synonymous. 'Thundercloud' is slightly more specific, implying the presence of thunder and lightning, while 'storm cloud' can refer to any cloud bringing stormy weather (rain, snow, wind).
Use it metaphorically to describe a looming problem or negative atmosphere: 'The new tax legislation is a thundercloud on the horizon for small businesses.'
A large, dark cloud that produces thunder and lightning.
Thundercloud is usually literary, formal, everyday in register.
Thundercloud: in British English it is pronounced /ˈθʌndəklaʊd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈθʌndərklaʊd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A thundercloud on the horizon (a sign of future trouble).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of THUNDER (the loud sound) + CLOUD. It's the cloud that brings the thunder.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANGER/THREAT IS A STORM CLOUD. (e.g., 'He arrived under a personal thundercloud.')
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely metaphorical use of 'thundercloud'?