What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tumour
Example
The doctor found a tumour during the patient's routine check-up. [tumour: noun]
Example
The biopsy revealed that the tumour was benign. [tumour: adjective]
tumor
Example
The doctor ordered an MRI to determine the size and location of the tumor. [tumor: noun]
Example
The patient's tumor was successfully removed through surgery. [tumor: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tumor is more commonly used than tumour in American English, while tumour is more commonly used in British English. However, both words are widely used in medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tumour and tumor?
Tumour is considered more formal than tumor. Therefore, it is more likely to be used in formal or academic contexts, while tumor is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
