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.
The actress explains that after all that commotion, her son refused to walk home with shoes on. Anna Halkidis, Parents, 23 Apr. 2025 The man identified by authorities as Mutu is seen grabbing the girl’s arms and forcing them to her sides as neighbors responded to the commotion and confronted him. Diego Mendoza and Holly Yan, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2025 Products could be seen flying from the shelves during the commotion. Angel Saunders, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025 In This Article The Best Biscuits In Nashville More Delicious Biscuits In Nashville While Nashville pushes the boundaries of its highways with meteoric growth, one of its most famous landmarks remains a good distance away from all the commotion. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 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 27 Apr. 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

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