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
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 Role of Air Traffic Control Weather conditions and wind shear add further complexities to these turbulent airports. Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025 Milton’s center was still nearly 300 miles southwest of Tampa when the first tornado formed near Florida City, about 180 miles southeast of Tampa just after 4 a.m. The 'dirty side' of the storm Dry air, instability and wind shear are the three main components for tornadoes, Hadi said. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 19 Oct. 2024 Tropical Storm Gordon: Developed Sept. 13 but was hindered by wind shear and had minimal intensification. Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 23 Sep. 2024 Some studies have even found that climate change might suppress the formation of tornadoes by weakening vertical wind shear, a term that refers to the way winds increase and change direction at different atmospheric heights. Denise Chow, NBC News, 28 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wind shear 

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wind shear was in 1941

Dictionary Entries Near wind shear

Cite this Entry

“Wind shear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wind%20shear. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

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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