# tumult

/ˈtuməɫt/ (US) · /tjˈuːmʌlt/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

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

## Definition

a loud, confused noise or a state of great excitement and confusion. It often describes a crowd of people shouting or a situation that is very chaotic.

For teachers: a state of loud, confused noise or violent agitation. Often used to describe the chaotic movement of a crowd or the emotional intensity of a situation.

## Examples

- The tumult of the crowd made it hard to hear the speaker.
- The city was in a state of tumult after the unexpected election results were announced.
- Amid the tumult of the revolution, the old palace stood silent and crumbling, a stark contrast to the fervent energy of the streets below.

---

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.