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
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.
After all the commotion loading the swordfish, there was lots of blood in the water, and Ofield was worried about sharks coming to claim their prize. Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 24 Oct. 2024 Consider keeping your pets in a quiet room away from the commotion and from open doors. Julia Lamont, The Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2024 According to footage obtained by TMZ, at least one guard appeared to lose balance amidst the scuffle, reportedly injuring their leg in the commotion. Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2024 All that commotion in response to a threat is, again, what shows up as swelling. Erica Sloan, SELF, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for commotion 

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 7 Dec. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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