3 syllables: Cu, mu, lus. Stress on Cu.
KYOO-myoo-luhs
/ˈkjuː.mjuː.ləs/
Cumulus is pronounced KYOO-myoo-luhs (/ˈkjuː.mjuː.ləs/). It has three syllables (Cu-mu-lus), with the stress on "Cu". Cumulus is a noun referring to a lumpy, often white, cloud formation with a billowy surface. It commonly appears as individual puffs or clusters in the sky and is typically associated with fair weather. The term is used in meteorology and everyday language to describe a specific cloud type or cloud-like texture.
nounCumulus is a noun referring to a lumpy, often white, cloud formation with a billowy surface. It commonly appears as individual puffs or clusters in the sky and is typically associated with fair weather. The term is used in meteorology and everyday language to describe a specific cloud type or cloud-like texture.
"The plane passed through a field of cumulus, its underbellies glowing gold at sunset."
"Cumulus clouds often indicate rising warm air and can develop into larger storm systems later."
"In the painting, the cumulus clouds give the sky a soft, dreamy backdrop."
You say KYOOM-yuh-luhs with the primary stress on the first syllable. IPA US: ˈkjʊm.jə.ləs or ˈkjuː.mjuː.ləs in careful speech; UK: ˈkjuː mjuː.ləs. Start with a clear 'k' followed by an extended 'you' sound, then a light, unstressed 'muh' and a soft 'luss' at the end. Listen for the two light syllables after the stressed first: -u- and -lus.
Common errors include misplacing the stress (e.g., ku- MU-lus) and mispronouncing the initial vowel as a short ‘u’ or ‘uh’ sound. Another error is over-pronouncing the second syllable or merging it into a single syllable. Correction: keep the stress on the first syllable, render the second and third syllables as light, rapid schwa or yuh sounds (ˈkjʊm jə ləs). Practice with slow, focused repetitions and then speed up while maintaining the stress.
US: ˈkjʊm.jə.ləs with a clear 'j' in the middle and a rhotic-final tendency on connected speech. UK: ˈkjuː.mjuː.ləs with an extended 'juː' vowel in the first syllable and sometimes a slightly clipped final -əs. AU: ˈkjuː.mjʊ.ləs or ˈkjʊm.jʊ.ləs, similar to UK but with a more relaxed vowel quality and flatter intonation. In all, the initial 'cu-' carries a 'kyoo' sound; the following syllables are light and quick.
The challenge comes from the sequence of vowels and the cluster in the middle: the transition from the long 'kyoo' vowel to a light, unstressed 'muh' and then the final 'luss' can trip learners. The 'cu' spelling often yields 'kyoo' or 'kyoo-mjoo-' cues, and many learners mispronounce the middle syllable by elongating it or swallowing the schwa. Focus on keeping the middle syllable light and fast, with stable onset in the final syllable.
In isolation, you’ll emphasize the initial stressed syllable with a crisp onset and a steady, soft coda. The middle syllable should be nearly unstressed, almost a quick 'juh' or 'yə', and the final '-lus' should be light and quick, almost merging with the previous sound. Visualize a small cloud puff—start strong, glide softly through the middle, finish with a neat, quick -ləs.
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US: rhotic, slower final vowel reduction; UK: non-rhotic tendency, slightly longer mid vowels; AU: more centralized vowel quality, flatter intonation. Vowel details: initial 'cu' as /kjuː/ or /kjʊ/ depending on speaker; middle /mə/ or /jə/ (unstressed schwa); final /ləs/ with an audible sibilant. IPA references: US /ˈkjʊ.mə.ləs/, UK /ˈkjuː.mjuː.ləs/ or /ˈkjuː.mə.ləs/; AU /ˈkjuː.mjʊ.ləs/. Practice tips: exaggerate the initial 'k' and 'j' blend lightly, then relax the middle to a quick schwa. Use pulse-ted syllable spacing to reflect natural rhythm.
Cumulus comes from Latin cumulus, meaning a heap or pile, derived from cumere, to heap or pile up. The term migrated into English meteorology in the 18th–19th centuries as scientists began classifying clouds by form. The root idea is a mass or heap of vapor forming a visible, rounded cloud. In contemporary usage, cumulus denotes distinct, discrete cloud clumps with a puffy, cotton-like appearance, typically formed by rising warm air and condensation. The word’s evolution mirrors the broader cloud taxonomy that observers use to describe atmospheric convection: cumulus for puffy, cumulus congestus for vertical growth, and cumulonimbus for towering storm clouds. First known English usages appear in weather treatises and natural philosophy writings where observers contrasted wispy cirrus with rounded cumulus masses.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Cumulus" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Cumulus" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Cumulus"
-lus sounds
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