commotion
noun
com·mo·tion
kə-ˈmō-shən 
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
Arnold BennettExamples 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
The bus driver heard the commotion, pulled over and told everyone to get off.
—Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 12 July 2025
Despite the commotion and all the onlookers, Monica does not recall anyone else trying to break up the altercation.
—Colson Thayer, People.com, 12 July 2025
The commotion occurred after a group of individuals discharged fireworks into a crowd in the downtown area for a July 4 celebration, according to police.
—Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2025
The tent’s support poles began to fall, and the burning big top collapsed less than ten minutes after the commotion began.
—Jordan Friedman, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for commotion
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Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 12 July 2025
Despite the commotion and all the onlookers, Monica does not recall anyone else trying to break up the altercation.
—Colson Thayer, People.com, 12 July 2025
The commotion occurred after a group of individuals discharged fireworks into a crowd in the downtown area for a July 4 celebration, according to police.
—Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2025
The tent’s support poles began to fall, and the burning big top collapsed less than ten minutes after the commotion began.
—Jordan Friedman, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for commotion
Cite this Entry
“Commotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commotion. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
commotion
noun
com·mo·tion
kə-ˈmō-shən
1
: irregular or violent motion
2
: noisy excitement and confusion : tumult
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