commotion

noun

com·​mo·​tion kə-ˈmō-shən How to pronounce commotion (audio)
1
: a condition of civil unrest or insurrection
The commotion was finally brought to an end and peace was restored.
2
: steady or recurrent motion
the commotion of the surf
3
: mental excitement or confusion
… startled … into no ordinary state of commotion.Arnold Bennett
4
a
: an agitated disturbance : to-do
the commotion caused by the president's visit
b
: noisy confusion : agitation
The commotion backstage had brought the play to a stop.

Examples of commotion in a Sentence

There was a sudden commotion when the actress entered the restaurant. the commotion created when the nation's top rock band arrived in town
Recent Examples on the Web Read More: Why Your Diet Needs More Fermented Pickles Why all the commotion over fiber? Angela Haupt, TIME, 15 Oct. 2024 There was also a big commotion over Snow’s elaborate, 10-piece Night’s Watch outfit, which hammered down for $337,500. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2024 Some passersby paused to check out the commotion, perhaps waiting to see if the unconscious man would make it. Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2024 Sounds like there’s some commotion over by the hall closet. EW.com, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for commotion 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'commotion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French commocion, from Latin commotion-, commotio, from commovēre — see commove

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of commotion was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near commotion

Cite this Entry

“Commotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commotion. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

commotion

noun
com·​mo·​tion kə-ˈmō-shən How to pronounce commotion (audio)
1
: irregular or violent motion
2
: noisy excitement and confusion : tumult

More from Merriam-Webster on commotion

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