white cloud: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-MidLiterary, Poetic, Descriptive, Technical (computing)
Quick answer
What does “white cloud” mean?
A cloud that is white in colour, typically composed of water droplets or ice crystals that reflect sunlight.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cloud that is white in colour, typically composed of water droplets or ice crystals that reflect sunlight.
Often used metaphorically to represent purity, peace, optimism, a positive outlook, or a benign, gentle phenomenon. In technology contexts, it can refer to 'white cloud computing' (a secure, private, or certified cloud environment).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling of related words (e.g., colour/color) follows regional norms.
Connotations
Similar positive connotations in both varieties. Possibly more prevalent in British poetic tradition.
Frequency
Comparable frequency; slightly more common in UK literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “white cloud” in a Sentence
[see/V] a white cloud [in/PP] the sky[fluffy/A] white cloud [drift/V] bya white cloud [of/PP] [steam/N]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “white cloud” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The white-cloud effect in the painting was achieved with thin oils.
- They offer a white-cloud computing solution.
American English
- The white-cloud effect in the painting was achieved with thin oils.
- They offer a white-cloud computing solution.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. In IT: 'The data is hosted on a certified white cloud for maximum security.'
Academic
In meteorology for description; in literature for metaphor.
Everyday
Used for simple description of the sky or to express a positive, carefree mood.
Technical
In computing: 'white cloud infrastructure'; in meteorology: a type of cumulus.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “white cloud”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “white cloud”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “white cloud”
- Using 'white cloud' to mean 'silver lining' (they are related but distinct concepts).
- Overusing the metaphorical sense in inappropriate contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a noun phrase, not a single compound word. It's written as two separate words.
Very rarely. Its core literal and metaphorical meanings are overwhelmingly positive or neutral.
'Silver lining' is the hopeful aspect of a bad situation. 'White cloud' metaphorically represents a state of pure happiness or optimism itself, not necessarily arising from difficulty.
No, there is no standard verb derived from 'white cloud'. It is used as a noun phrase or attributively as an adjective (e.g., white-cloud solution).
A cloud that is white in colour, typically composed of water droplets or ice crystals that reflect sunlight.
White cloud is usually literary, poetic, descriptive, technical (computing) in register.
White cloud: in British English it is pronounced /waɪt klaʊd/, and in American English it is pronounced /waɪt klaʊd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Every cloud has a silver lining (related conceptually)”
- “on cloud nine (related conceptually)”
- “head in the clouds (related conceptually)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a pure white cotton ball floating in a blue sky – simple, clean, and positive.
Conceptual Metaphor
POSITIVE EVENTS/MOODS ARE WHITE CLOUDS (e.g., 'She's on a white cloud after the good news.'). PURITY/INNOCENCE IS A WHITE CLOUD.
Practice
Quiz
In a technical IT context, what does 'white cloud' most specifically refer to?