Cool MateHail vs Sleet
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Hail | Sleet | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Small balls of ice that fall from the sky during some storms. | Wet snow or rain that falls when it's cold. |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Usage notes | Use 'hail' when discussing weather conditions. It's not usually used in casual conversation unless weather is the topic. Avoid in formal writing unless it specifically relates to storms. | Use 'sleet' to describe specific winter weather conditions. Avoid using it in non-weather contexts. More common in regions with cold winters. |
Frequently asked questions: Hail vs Sleet
What's the difference between "Hail" and "Sleet"?
"Hail" means: Small balls of ice that fall from the sky during some storms. "Sleet" means: Wet snow or rain that falls when it's cold.
When should I use "Hail" and "Sleet"?
They can all be used in everyday English.