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.
Tropical systems need warm ocean waters, a moist atmosphere, and less wind shear. Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 In mid-September, the upper atmosphere and wind shear should become more favorable for the formation and strengthening of storms, Jennifer Francis, an atmospheric scientist at the Woodwell Climate Research Center, told ABC News. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025 The Atlantic may stay quiet for the next 7-10 days, Maue said, or until a healthy enough tropical wave comes off Africa that can survive the otherwise hostile environmental conditions, which include dry air, high stability, dust and wind shear. Doyle Rice, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025 Additionally, wind shear, which is a change in wind speed and direction over a short distance, will increase, potentially making the storms even more hazardous. Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wind shear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wind%20shear. Accessed 13 Sep. 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

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