Pronunciation: [klˈa͡ʊdi skˈa͡ɪ] (IPA) 
Cloudy sky is spelled /ˈklaʊdi skaɪ/. The word 'cloudy' is spelled with an 'o' and a 'u' together (ou) which represent the sound /aʊ/. The 'y' at the end represents a long 'i' sound (ɑɪ). 'Sky' is spelled with a 'y', which represents a long 'i' sound (ɑɪ) and a 'k', which represents a hard 'k' sound (k). Together, these two words represent a sky covered in clouds, which is a common sight in many regions.
Cloudy sky refers to the atmospheric condition where a significant portion of the sky is covered by clouds, resulting in reduced visibility of the sun, moon, and stars. It is a meteorological term that describes a state of the sky when the presence of clouds obstructs the direct view of the celestial bodies or blocks a considerable amount of sunlight, causing a dimmed, diffused light.
The appearance of a cloudy sky is characterized by a grayish or whitish color due to the scattering of sunlight by water droplets or ice crystals in the clouds. Depending on the density, altitude, and composition of the clouds, they may vary in shapes, ranging from puffy cumulus clouds to continuous layers of stratus clouds or even heavy, dark nimbus clouds associated with precipitation.
Cloudy skies are often associated with overcast or gloomy weather conditions. They can be the result of various meteorological phenomena such as frontal systems, low pressure systems, or the presence of moisture in the atmosphere. Cloudy skies can occur in any season and may persist for minutes, hours, or even days. They often bring cooler temperatures, as the clouds act as a barrier that reduces the intensity of solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface.
In addition to affecting the aesthetic perception of the sky, cloudy skies impact everyday activities such as outdoor photography, stargazing, and solar energy generation. They also play a crucial role in the regulation of the Earth's climate by reflecting a portion of the incoming solar radiation back into space, preventing excessive heating of the atmosphere.
The etymology of the word "cloudy" can be traced back to the Old English word "cludig" or "cloudig", which meant "full of clouds" or "covered with clouds". It ultimately originates from the Proto-Germanic word "khlud-", meaning "to be covered or covered up". The word has undergone various phonetic changes over time to become "cloudy" in Modern English.
The term "sky" comes from the Old Norse word "ský", which means "cloud" or "cloud cover". This word, in turn, has its origins in the Proto-Germanic word "*skiwją", also meaning "cloud". Over time, "sky" evolved to refer to the expanse of the upper atmosphere where clouds and celestial objects are observed, rather than just specifically meaning "cloud".
