Definition

1. Noun:
   • A heavy, dark cloud that signals the approach of rain or a storm: A "storm cloud" is a large, dark, and often threatening-looking cloud that indicates bad weather, such as a thunderstorm or heavy rain, is coming.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • A single massive storm cloud appeared on the horizon, promising a downpour.
  • The sky was clear except for a bank of ominous storm clouds gathering in the west.
  • Sailors watched the storm clouds anxiously, knowing they needed to find shelter.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: The term can be used metaphorically to represent a sign of impending trouble, conflict, or a bad mood.
  • The CEO's frown was a storm cloud hanging over the board meeting.
  • A storm cloud of political scandal gathered over the administration.

Variants and Related Words

• Thundercloud (n): A type of storm cloud specifically associated with thunder and lightning.
  • The thunderclouds rumbled in the distance.
• Cumulonimbus (n): The technical meteorological term for a dense, towering vertical cloud that is a type of storm cloud.
  • Cumulonimbus clouds are responsible for thunderstorms.

Synonyms

• Thunderhead: A popular term for the swollen, upper part of a storm cloud.
• Dark cloud: A simpler term often used interchangeably with "storm cloud," especially in figurative contexts.

Related Phrases

• A storm cloud on the horizon: An idiom meaning a sign of future trouble or difficulty.
  • The new tax law is a storm cloud on the horizon for small businesses.
• Under a storm cloud: To be in a situation marked by impending trouble or a bad mood.
  • The team has been under a storm cloud since their star player was injured.

Noun

1. a heavy dark cloud presaging rain or a storm