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.
After 'tremendous commotion,' Cassie screamed, 'Isn't anybody seeing this?' Some of the most compelling testimony has come from former Combs former personal assistant, George Kaplan. Josh Meyer, USA Today, 29 May 2025 Video footage from that day shows commotion and ICE agents entangled with members of Congress and their staff. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 13 May 2025 Cameras and commotion had accompanied her every move since divorcing Britain’s then-heir, Prince Charles, less than four months earlier. Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 4 May 2025 Despite the commotion their accidental twinning caused online, Roach — who was filmed cooly reacting to seeing Sawai on the carpet — confirms that the vibes are all good not only between the two stars, but also between himself and Sawai's stylist. Michelle Lee, People.com, 14 May 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 6 Jun. 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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