1 tumult | Definition of tumult

tumult

noun
tu·​mult | \ ˈtü-ËŒmÉ™lt How to pronounce tumult (audio) , ˈtyü- also ˈtÉ™-\

Definition of tumult

1a : disorderly agitation or milling about of a crowd usually with uproar and confusion of voices : commotion
b : a turbulent uprising : riot
2 : hubbub, din
3a : violent agitation of mind or feelings
b : a violent outburst

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Examples of tumult in a Sentence

We had to shout to be heard over the tumult. The country was in tumult. Her mind was in a tumult of emotions.
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Recent Examples on the Web

But beneath the top-line data are clear signs that the prosperity is being unevenly shared, and when the tumult of the Trump presidency is added to the mix, the state's flinty voters may not be receptive to his appeals. Kevin Freking, Fortune, "At Rally, Trump Ties U.S. Success to 2nd Term: ‘You Have to Vote for Me’," 16 Aug. 2019 Finally, in the last movement, Bronfman unleashed something closer to his full power and energy, the tumult of his performance matched by its innate musicality. Howard Reich, chicagotribune.com, "CSO review: Bronfman and Ax take on Brahms Piano Concertos," 3 Aug. 2019 The tumult in Berkeley over busing paled in comparison to other American cities. Melanie Mason, latimes.com, "School busing in Berkeley during Kamala Harris’ childhood was both voluntary and volatile," 30 June 2019 The tumult in this state also revealed the depth of emotions around climate-change laws, exposing a larger, growing divide between urban and rural factions — in Oregon and beyond. Julie Turkewitz, New York Times, "Oregon Climate Walkout Left Republicans in Hiding, Statehouse in Disarray," 28 June 2019 Details then emerged about the tumult of her short life. Emily Foxhall, Houston Chronicle, "Maleah Davis to be buried in private service Saturday," 22 June 2019 To a tumult of cheers, Queen Elizabeth then appeared on the steps of the VIP seats for her grand entrance. Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE.com, "Charles...Prince Charles! Queen's Son Bonds with Daniel Craig Over Cars on Set of James Bond," 20 June 2019 But out of that tumult Coppola created a masterpiece. Washington Post, "Q&A: Francis Ford Coppola on ‘Apocalypse Now’ 40 years later," 14 Aug. 2019 The cost of the tumult is showing up in the earnings of a rising number of big companies. Michelle Toh, CNN, "These global businesses are feeling the heat from Hong Kong's protests," 9 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tumult.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of tumult

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for tumult

Middle English tumulte, from Anglo-French, from Latin tumultus; perhaps akin to Sanskrit tumula noisy

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More Definitions for tumult

tumult

noun

English Language Learners Definition of tumult

formal
: a state of noisy confusion or disorder
: a state of great mental or emotional confusion

tumult

noun
tu·​mult | \ ˈtü-ËŒmÉ™lt How to pronounce tumult (audio) , ˈtyü-\

Kids Definition of tumult

1 : uproar A great tumult arose in the audience.
2 : great confusion of mind