What does overcast mean?
Overcast describes a sky that is covered or substantially obscured by clouds. It is a familiar meteorological term, especially in forecasts and descriptions of dull, grey weather, but it is also used figuratively for a person's expression or atmosphere, suggesting gloom, sadness, or emotional heaviness. The adjective can describe the sky itself, as in “an overcast morning,” or broader conditions, such as “overcast weather.” In everyday speech, it is often interchangeable with cloudy, although overcast tends to imply more complete or persistent cloud cover. The word can also function as a noun for a covering of clouds and as a verb meaning to become cloudy or to cover with clouds. Its vivid imagery and established figurative use make it useful both for precise description and evocative writing.
Covered or obscured by clouds; characterized by a heavy or continuous cloud covering.
"The valley remained overcast throughout the morning."
Can also describe a person's expression or mood, implying gloom or sadness.
A covering of clouds, especially one that extends across the sky; a cloudy condition.
"A sea fog created an overcast along the coast."
To become covered or obscured by clouds, or to make a sky or scene cloudy.
"Clouds overcast the mountains shortly before sunset."
Less common than the adjective and typically used in descriptive or literary contexts.
Rare; plural forms are more likely to refer to separate areas or episodes of cloud cover.
"The hills disappeared beneath successive overcasts."
An overcast sky is more than merely cloudy: it describes the whole atmosphere as being blanketed by cloud.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does overcast come from?
Overcast is formed from the prefix over-, meaning “above” or “across,” and cast, meaning “throw” or “put.” The compound originally conveyed the idea of something cast over or covering another surface, and its use for a sky covered by clouds developed in the 19th century. Words such as forecast and outcast share the Germanic element cast, although their modern meanings arose from different combinations and usages.
Related word forms
How overcast is actually used
Common in weather forecasts and descriptions of skies. It is often used figuratively for a person's expression, manner, or mood, where it conveys gloom or emotional heaviness.