# bedlam

/ˈbɛdɫəm/ (US) · /bˈɛdlæm/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bedlam
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

a state of total confusion, noise, and disorder. You use it to describe a situation where everything is chaotic and nobody is in control.

For teachers: a state of extreme confusion, noise, and disorder.

## Examples

- The kitchen was a bedlam of shouting and clattering pans.
- The sudden power outage turned the busy airport into a bedlam of confused travelers and ringing phones.
- The final minutes of the championship game were a total bedlam, with fans storming the field and players shouting over the deafening roar of the crowd.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.