Cyclone vs Hurricane
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Cyclone | Hurricane | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | A strong storm with rotating winds. | A strong and damaging storm with very high winds and heavy rain. |
| CEFR level | - | B1 |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Usage notes | Used in both formal and casual contexts, primarily in weather reports and discussions about natural disasters. Avoid overly technical jargon when speaking to non-experts. | Used in both written and spoken contexts, especially when discussing weather or natural disasters. Avoid casual contexts; it's serious and can be dramatic. |
Frequently asked questions: Cyclone vs Hurricane
What's the difference between "Cyclone" and "Hurricane"?
"Cyclone" means: A strong storm with rotating winds. "Hurricane" means: A strong and damaging storm with very high winds and heavy rain.
When should I use "Cyclone" and "Hurricane"?
They can all be used in everyday English.