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Cloud cover

UK //klaʊd ˈkʌvə//US //klaʊd ˈkʌvɚ//

Definition

The extent to which clouds cover the sky.

In simple words: The amount of clouds in the sky.

Examples

  • The cloud cover today makes it feel cooler than usual.
  • Meteorologists are predicting heavy cloud cover throughout the weekend.
  • High cloud cover can lead to less solar energy absorption.
  • They checked the cloud cover before planning their picnic.
  • The cloud cover was so thick that we couldn't see the sun all day.

Usage notes

Use in weather contexts when discussing how cloudy it is. More formal in meteorological reports and casual in daily conversation. Avoid in non-weather discussions.

Grammar pattern

standalone phrase

Memory hint

Think of a 'cloud' covering the 'sky' like a blanket.

Collocations

  • thick cloud cover
  • increase in cloud cover
  • low cloud cover

Synonyms

  • cloudiness
  • overcast
  • sky coverage

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'cloudy', which describes the weather condition.
  • Used incorrectly as a verb; it's a noun phrase.