A cloud database is a type of database that is hosted and managed on a cloud computing platform, rather than on local servers. This allows users to access and manage their data over the internet, providing flexibility and scalability. Cloud databases can be either relational, like MySQL or PostgreSQL, or non-relational, such as MongoDB. One of the main advantages of cloud databases is that they can automatically scale resources based on demand, making them suitable for businesses of all sizes. Additionally, they often come with built-in security features and regular backups, ensuring data is protected and easily recoverable in case of issues.