# commotion

/kəˈmoʊʃən/ (US) · /kəmˈəʊʃən/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/commotion
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a lot of noise and confused activity. You use this when people are running around or shouting and it is hard to see what is happening.

For teachers: a state of confused and noisy disturbance. Refers to a sudden outbreak of activity or sound that disrupts a peaceful environment.

## Examples

- I heard a loud commotion in the street outside.
- The cat knocked over a stack of metal pans, causing a massive commotion in the middle of the night.
- The sudden arrival of the celebrity caused such a commotion that the security team had to close the main entrance to the hotel to restore order.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the general state of noise; countable when referring to a specific event or instance.

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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.