English Explanatory Dictionary

cloud nine

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Often in the phrase on cloud nine: a state of bliss, elation or happiness.
  2. A state of fantastic or impractical dreaming or thinking.

Pronunciation

/ˈklaʊd ˈnaɪn/ en-au-cloud nine.ogg

Word forms

cloud nine

Etymology

The origin of sense 1 (“a state of bliss”) is uncertain; however, the following etymology has been suggested: * The first edition of the International Cloud Atlas (1896), which defined ten types of cloud, described the ninth type as the cumulonimbus which rises to 10 km (6.2 miles), the highest a cloud can be. Compare cloud seven (“state of complete happiness or euphoria”), which may have originated from confusion of cloud nine with seventh heaven. Sense 2 (“a state of fantastic or impractical dreaming or thinking”) may be due to a confusion between sense 1 and the phrase head in the clouds.

Synonyms

cloud number nine seventh heaven head in the clouds

Related words

on cloud nine
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