Definition

Verb: * To become covered with clouds; for the sky or weather to change from clear to cloudy.

Usage

This verb describes the process of clouds forming or moving to cover the sky. It is often used to describe a change in weather conditions. It is an intransitive verb (it does not take a direct object).

Examples

• We should head back; the sky is starting to cloud up.
• It was a beautiful morning, but it clouded up around noon.
• If it clouds up later, we can move the picnic indoors.

Advanced Usage

• The phrasal verb is often used in the simple past or present continuous tenses to describe the change as it happens.
• It can be used figuratively to describe a person's face or mood becoming troubled or somber, though this is less common than the literal meteorological use.
  • Her expression clouded up when she heard the bad news.

Variants and Related Words

• Cloud over: A synonym with identical meaning and usage.
  • The sky clouded over in the afternoon.
• Overcast (adjective): Describes the state of the sky when it is completely covered by clouds.
  • The day was grey and overcast.

Synonyms

• Become cloudy
• Overcast (as a verb, though less common: "The sky overcast.")

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Clear up: The opposite process; for clouds to disperse and the sky to become clear.
  • Don't worry, I think it will clear up by this evening.

Verb

1. become covered with clouds
   • The sky clouded over