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 commotion prompted House Speaker Mike Johnson to pound his gavel, warn Green to sit down and eventually have the lawmaker removed by the sergeant at arms. Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025 The commotion continued for Saldaña, Brody (snagging his second Best Actor win) and Madison, who was met with congratulations at every turn. Ryma Chikhoune, WWD, 3 Mar. 2025 All the commotion has highlighted an age-old question in Scotland: How much land is too much? Robert Ormerod, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025 Coeur d'Alene police were outside of the venue due to an unrelated threat against Representative Jordan Redman but said they were not made aware of the commotion inside. Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 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 12 Mar. 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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