cumulus

noun

cu·mu·lus ˈkyü-myə-ləs

plural cumuli ˈkyü-myə-ˌlī -ˌlē

Synonyms of cumulus

: heap, accumulation

[New Latin, from Latin] : a dense puffy cloud form having a flat base and rounded outlines often piled up like a mountain see cloud illustration

Examples of cumulus in a Sentence

the cumulus of sundry things that fill up one's attic and somehow sum up a lifetime of experiences

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

McReynolds said forecasters are primarily watching offshore cumulus clouds, and the possibility of those producing showers or thunderstorms. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2026 The main concern would be showers that could bring in cumulus clouds and possible lightning. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 Dean has an unerring sense about how to let her voice glide to the cumulus layer and back again, without remotely ever going over the top. — Chris Willman, Variety, 17 July 2026 Beehive is more delicate, sending up painterly tendrils that form a thin scrim in front of the landscape of volcanic sediment, evergreens, and puffy cumulus clouds. — Jesse Ashlock, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cumulus

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

1659, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of cumulus was in 1659

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Cumulus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cumulus. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cumulus

noun

cu·mu·lus ˈkyü-myə-ləs

plural cumuli -ˌlī

-ˌlē

: a dense puffy cloud form having a flat base and rounded outlines often piled up like a mountain

Medical Definition

cumulus

noun

cu·mu·lus ˈkyü-myə-ləs

plural cumuli -ˌlī, -ˌlē

: the projecting mass of granulosa cells that bears the developing ovum in a graafian follicle

called also discus proligerus

cumulus

noun

Synonyms of cumulus

Examples of cumulus in a Sentence

Word History

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Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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