war cloud

American  

noun

1. something that threatens war; a harbinger of conflict.

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Etymology

Origin of war cloud

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

war cloud

China’s three largest airlines returned to profit in the first quarter, but the recovery may prove short-lived as higher fuel costs due to the Middle East war cloud the outlook and threaten bottom lines.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 30, 2026

I honor him for that magnanimity which after the war cloud had passed, and the elements had settled, would have brought every citizen under the radiant arch of the bow of peace and pardon.”

From The Judicial Murder of Mary E. Surratt by DeWitt, David Miller

Miss North looks like a war cloud without a ghost of a silver lining.

From Blue Bonnet in Boston or, Boarding-School Days at Miss North's by Goss, John

We shall be strong enough before the war cloud gathers too heavily over England and Germany to prevent the grievous calamity which threatens these nations.

From The Lever A Novel by Orcutt, William Dana

Nothing but evil could be predicated of such a combination; and Sir John was not slow to take advantage of his position, when the war cloud was ready to burst.

From An Historical Account of the Settlements of Scotch Highlanders in America by MacLean, J. P. (John Patterson)