What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
thundercloud
Example
The sky was filled with thunderclouds, and we knew a storm was coming. [thunderclouds: noun]
Example
The thunderclouds rolled in, and soon the rain began to pour down. [thunderclouds: plural noun]
cumulonimbus
Example
The cumulonimbus cloud was so large that it blocked out the sun. [cumulonimbus: noun]
Example
The cumulonimbus cloud produced lightning and thunder as it moved across the sky. [cumulonimbus: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thundercloud is a more common term than cumulonimbus in everyday language, as it is a more general and informal term that is easily understood by most people. Cumulonimbus is a more technical term that is commonly used in meteorology and scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between thundercloud and cumulonimbus?
Cumulonimbus is a more formal term than thundercloud, as it is a technical term used in scientific contexts. Thundercloud is a more informal term that is commonly used in everyday language and is suitable for casual conversations.
