Extremely happy, elated, or blissful. In a state of euphoric joy or contentment.
This phrase comes from 1950s American meteorology, where clouds were classified by types numbered one through nine, with cumulonimbus (cloud nine) being the highest and most impressive. The phrase gained popularity through radio shows and became firmly established in American English by the 1960s.
Most people don't realize this phrase has scientific origins! Cloud nine was literally the tallest cloud type in meteorological classification systems. The idea of being 'high up' as a metaphor for happiness made this technical term into one of our most beloved expressions of joy.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.