What does scud mean?
Scud is a vivid, slightly literary word for rapid movement and for sudden wet weather. As a verb, it usually describes clouds moving quickly across the sky, though it can also describe someone fleeing in a panic. As a noun, a scud is a brief shower of rain, snow, or hail. The word is especially useful in descriptive writing about weather, because it captures both the speed of moving clouds and the suddenness of the showers they may bring. In ordinary conversation, 'shower' is generally more familiar for the meteorological noun and 'dart' or 'dash' may sound more natural for rapid movement, but 'scud' gives these descriptions a distinctive, energetic quality.
To move quickly, especially as clouds move rapidly across the sky; also, in a less common sense, to run away in panic.
"Grey clouds scudded over the hills."
The cloud sense is the most usual modern use; the fleeing sense is uncommon and somewhat literary.
A sudden, brief shower of rain, snow, or hail.
"A scud of rain passed over the garden."
This noun is somewhat literary and is less common in everyday speech than 'shower'.
The plural is used for separate sudden showers.
"Brief scuds of rain passed over the fields."
Before storm warnings and weather apps, a fast-moving sky could be described in one vivid verb: clouds scudded overhead.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scud come from?
The exact origin of scud is not fully certain. Its older senses are associated with rapid movement and with a sudden shower, while the modern verb commonly describes fast-moving clouds.
How scud is actually used
The verb is most often used of clouds and is somewhat literary or descriptive. The noun is less common than 'shower' and has a slightly old-fashioned or literary feel. The sense meaning to flee is also uncommon and often carries a sense of alarm or haste.