cumulus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “cumulus” mean?
A type of dense, white, fluffy cloud with a flat base and rounded outlines, typically occurring in fine weather.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of dense, white, fluffy cloud with a flat base and rounded outlines, typically occurring in fine weather.
In meteorology, a cloud formation consisting of rounded masses heaped on each other. More generally, it can refer to a heap, pile, or accumulation of something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or primary use. The word is used identically in meteorological contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of fluffy, heaped, white clouds associated with fair weather.
Frequency
Slightly more likely to appear in everyday UK weather forecasts; in the US, 'puffy clouds' is a common casual alternative.
Grammar
How to Use “cumulus” in a Sentence
[cumulus] + [of + noun] (figurative)[adjective] + [cumulus]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cumulus” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cumuliform clouds promised a fine afternoon.
- The sky had a distinct cumulus appearance.
American English
- The cumuliform clouds promised a fine afternoon.
- The sky had a distinct cumulus appearance.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in creative/descriptive marketing (e.g., 'a cumulus of data').
Academic
Common in meteorology, geography, and atmospheric science texts.
Everyday
Used in weather descriptions, though 'fluffy clouds' is more common.
Technical
The precise term for a genus of low-altitude, detached, heaped clouds with vertical development.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cumulus”
- Mispronunciation: /ˈkʌm.jə.ləs/ (incorrect).
- Confusing 'cumulus' with 'cumulous' (the adjective form is 'cumuliform').
- Using it as a general term for any cloud.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes. Its core meaning is meteorological. Figurative use (e.g., 'a cumulus of thoughts') is understood but rare and poetic.
Cumulus are low, dense, and fluffy with defined edges (heap clouds). Cirrus are high, wispy, and feathery (strand clouds).
Not in standard use. The noun is 'cumulus'. The related adjective is 'cumuliform' (shaped like cumulus) or 'cumulous' (less common).
Typically good weather ('fair-weather cumulus'). However, they can grow into storm-producing cumulonimbus clouds.
A type of dense, white, fluffy cloud with a flat base and rounded outlines, typically occurring in fine weather.
Cumulus is usually formal, technical, scientific in register.
Cumulus: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkjuː.mjə.ləs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkjuː.mjə.ləs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A cumulus of concerns (figurative, rare)”
- “On a bed of cumulus (poetic)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'accumulate' – cumulus clouds look like heaps of cotton wool accumulated in the sky.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACCUMULATION IS A CLOUD (e.g., a cumulus of paperwork).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'cumulus' most precisely and frequently used?