altocumulus

noun

al·​to·​cu·​mu·​lus ˌal-tō-ˈkyü-myə-ləs How to pronounce altocumulus (audio)
plural altocumuli ˌal-tō-ˈkyü-myə-ˌlī How to pronounce altocumulus (audio)
-ˌlē
: a fleecy mid-altitude cloud formation consisting of large whitish globular masses with shaded portions see cloud illustration

Examples of altocumulus in a Sentence

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.
Mid-level clouds are usually gray and are identified as either altocumulus, altostratus, or nimbostratus. — Catherine Zuckerman, National Geographic, 24 Apr. 2019 The altocumulus floccus clouds, though, showed that a combination of instability (due to the puffy nature of the clouds) and moisture (the clouds already being there) were already present by Wednesday morning. — Chris Bianchi, The Denver Post, 3 June 2020 These clouds will gradually thicken and lower, transitioning into altocumulus or altostratus clouds. — Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 9 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French alto-cumulus, from Latin altus "high" + French -o- -o- + cumulus cumulus — more at altitude

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of altocumulus was in 1881

Rhymes for altocumulus

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Browse Nearby Words

alto clef
altocumulus
altocumulus castellatus
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Cite this Entry

“Altocumulus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/altocumulus. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

altocumulus

noun
al·​to·​cu·​mu·​lus ˌal-tō-ˈkyü-myə-ləs How to pronounce altocumulus (audio)
: a fleecy cloud formation consisting of large whitish globular masses with shaded portions

More from Merriam-Webster on altocumulus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about altocumulus

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