What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cuckoo
Example
I woke up to the sound of a cuckoo outside my window. [cuckoo: noun]
Example
Don't listen to him, he's a bit cuckoo. [cuckoo: adjective]
Example
My grandmother has a cuckoo clock in her living room. [cuckoo: noun]
loon
Example
We saw a loon swimming in the lake during our camping trip. [loon: noun]
Example
He's acting like a complete loon lately. [loon: adjective]
Example
I need to exchange some money for loonies before my trip to Canada. [loonie: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cuckoo is more commonly used than loon in everyday language, especially in reference to the bird or clock. Loon is less common and may be more familiar to those in North America due to its association with Canadian currency.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cuckoo and loon?
Both cuckoo and loon are informal words that are unlikely to be used in formal contexts.
