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.
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 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Commotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commotion. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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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