wind shear

noun

: a radical shift in wind speed and direction that occurs over a very short distance

Examples of wind shear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The system originated over the southern Plains, where strong wind shear and moderate instability produced tornadoes and severe gusts. Brandi D. Addison, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Jan. 2026 Space Launch Delta 45’s weather squadron forecasts only a 30% chance for good weather at the opening of the window, but that improves to 70% by the end, plus a low to moderate risk of upper level wind shear. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2026 In the 1980s, the center helped develop and refine technology to monitor wind shear at airports. Scott Neuman, NPR, 19 Dec. 2025 And the storm-brewing conditions are still there --- warmer ocean waters and a cool La Nina weather pattern that results in weaker vertical wind shear needed to cut down storm winds. Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wind shear

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wind shear was in 1895

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wind shear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wind%20shear. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

wind shear

noun
: a radical shift in wind speed and direction that occurs over a very short distance

More from Merriam-Webster on wind shear

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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