chaos

noun

cha·​os ˈkā-ˌäs How to pronounce chaos (audio)
1
a
: a state of utter confusion
the blackout caused chaos throughout the city
b
: a confused mass or mixture
a chaos of television antennas
2
a
often capitalized : a state of things in which chance is supreme
especially : the confused unorganized state of primordial matter before the creation of distinct forms compare cosmos
b
: the inherent unpredictability in the behavior of a complex natural system (such as the atmosphere, boiling water, or the beating heart)
3
obsolete : chasm, abyss

Examples of chaos in a Sentence

The loss of electricity caused chaos throughout the city. When the police arrived, the street was in total chaos. The country had descended into economic chaos.
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.
In a world where one call by a TV channel can throw a campaign into chaos, everyone involved seems to understand how high the stakes are. Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024 Your command center team is your last line of defense against chaos. Sidharth Ramsinghaney, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Why is it Called the 'God of Chaos' Asteroid? Apophis is the ancient Greek name for the Egyptian god of chaos Apep. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 The Harris campaign reasons that there is a cross-partisan population of voters who differ on policy preferences but share a common exhaustion with the chaos, division, and demagoguery of Donald Trump. The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for chaos 

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek — more at gum

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

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

Dictionary Entries Near chaos

Cite this Entry

“Chaos.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chaos. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

chaos

noun
cha·​os ˈkā-ˌäs How to pronounce chaos (audio)
: complete confusion
chaotic adjective
chaotically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on chaos

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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