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

For example, warm ocean water can fuel a hurricane’s intensity, or wind shear can slow down a hurricane’s development. — Chanh Kieu, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026

Tropical storms Dolly and Gonzalo are the only systems that have formed in this part of the ocean so far, and a wall of wind shear ripped both of them apart. — Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026

Though ocean waters across the Atlantic are amply warm right now, those cross-cutting winds—known as wind shear—aren’t abating. — Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 30 Sep. 2026

Warmer waters, moist air and less wind shear in the region have helped enable storm formation in the Pacific. — Kerry Breen, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for wind shear

• adhere
• ameer
• amir
• appear
• arrear
• astir
• austere
• career
• cashier
• cohere
• compere
• emir

Kids Definition

wind shear

noun

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