tumult

noun

tu·​mult ˈtü-ˌməlt How to pronounce tumult (audio)
ˈtyü-,
 also  ˈtə-
1
a
: disorderly agitation or milling about of a crowd usually with uproar and confusion of voices : commotion
b
: a turbulent uprising : riot
2
: hubbub, din
3
a
: violent agitation of mind or feelings
b
: a violent outburst

Examples of tumult in a Sentence

We had to shout to be heard over the tumult. The country was in tumult. Her mind was in a tumult of emotions.
Recent Examples on the Web Moore’s attempt to kill Ford grew out of the post-Watergate, post-Vietnam, post-counterculture funk of the ’70s — the tumult of hopelessness and rage, the cynicism that had settled over everything like a damp fog. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 15 Oct. 2024 Tesla’s stock has rebounded from its tumult earlier this year, pushing up Musk’s wealth, much of which is tied up in his stake in the company. Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2024 Last week, the Asian Development Bank lowered its growth forecast for Bangladesh’s economic growth from 6.6% to 5.1% due to the political tumult as well as recent catastrophic flooding. Charlie Campbell, TIME, 3 Oct. 2024 Over the years, the home continued to be the site of many of his greatest professional accomplishments and, simultaneously, that of his personal tumult. Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tumult 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tumult.' 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 tumulte, from Anglo-French, from Latin tumultus; perhaps akin to Sanskrit tumula noisy

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Dictionary Entries Near tumult

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

tumult

noun
tu·​mult ˈt(y)ü-ˌməlt How to pronounce tumult (audio)
1
: uproar
a great tumult arose in the stands
2
: great confusion of mind

More from Merriam-Webster on tumult

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!