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sky

the atmosphere / to hit high in the air

/skaɪ/

Transitive Verb[C/U] Both
pl: skies

The noun refers to the vast, open expanse above us. It often carries a connotation of limitlessness, freedom, or mood (e.g., "gloomy sky"). Unlike "atmosphere," which is a scientific term for the gas surrounding Earth, "sky" is a visual and experiential term. As a verb, it describes a sudden, usually unintentional, vertical trajectory. It is most common in sports contexts, particularly golf or baseball, where hitting a ball too high is often seen as a mistake.

Uncountable when referring to the vast expanse above us ('the sky is blue'). Countable when describing a specific appearance or color under different conditions ('dark, stormy skies' or 'sunny skies').

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Chloe is procrastinating on a term paper in the library.
Chloe Smith

look at the sky. it's actually gray for once. mood.

Chloe Smith
Maya
Maya

stop doomscrolling and finish your paper or you'll be cooked.

💡
Chloe uses 'mood' as internet slang to express that the gloomy sky reflects her current emotional state. Maya responds with 'be cooked', a modern slang term meaning to be in a hopeless situation or facing certain failure.

Meanings

Nounthe atmosphere

The region of the atmosphere and outer space seen from the earth.

"The sky was a clear, deep blue without a single cloud."

Transitive Verbto hit high in the air

To send something high into the air.

"The golfer managed to sky the ball far over the trees."

Etymology

Derived from the Old Norse word sky, meaning cloud. It entered Middle English via Scandinavian influence, eventually shifting its meaning from the specific presence of clouds to the entire expanse of the atmosphere above the earth.

Related Words

Last Updated: June 8, 2026Report an Error