a cloud from which rain falls or looks likely to fall
The following morning, rain clouds covered much of south-east England.
rain cloud in American English
noun
a cloud or a mass of clouds that yields rain
Word origin
[1830–40]This word is first recorded in the period 1830–40. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: ante, baby talk, isomerism, rococo, walkover
Examples of 'rain cloud' in a sentence
rain cloud
It was a fine, fair morning, without so much as a hint of a rain cloud.
Bringle, Mary DEATH OF AN UNKNOWN MAN
A dim expression of comprehension sweeps across his face like a rain cloud.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
It's like we had a little rain cloud following us the whole way round.
The Sun (2014)
They are at war, too, with the plot, which hangs over them like a rain-cloud.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Japan's capital had been under a big grey rain cloud for the past three days.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The laboratory walls are lined with mesh tanks, each containing what looks like a small, angry rain cloud.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
However, the problem is telling how far away those raindrops are, or even the distance of the rain cloud that they fall from.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Beneath those perpetual rain clouds they have asinine radical chic down to a tee.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Big rain clouds jostled up from the west.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Monday: forecasters predict heavy rain clouds across the southeast and intermittent downpours.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Was he pointing to heaven or merely to rain clouds?