commotion

noun

com·​mo·​tion kə-ˈmō-shən 

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.

Synonyms

• disturbance
• stir
• fuss
• turmoil
• hurry
• noise
• clatter
• storm
• fun

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

Play was delayed for several minutes when a spectator needed medical attention after Alcaraz noticed the commotion in the stands. —George Ramsay, CNN Money, 30 June 2025

There followed a small commotion of friendliness—apologies, laughter—after which we were led to our seats and sent a free passion-fruit donut. —Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 29 June 2025

Their entrance caused a commotion when the doors reopened for the couple and sent guests into a frenzy. —Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 27 June 2025

Even Julia's partner Matt turned around to see what all the commotion was about. —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025

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

Rhymes for commotion

• demotion
• devotion
• emotion
• laotian
• promotion
• locomotion
• lotion
• notion
• ocean
• potion

Kids Definition

commotion

noun

com·​mo·​tion kə-ˈmō-shən 

1

: irregular or violent motion

2

: noisy excitement and confusion : tumult