wind shear

noun

: a radical shift in wind speed and direction that occurs over a very short distance

Examples of wind shear in a Sentence

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.
Meteorologists point to a strong cyclone in the Upper Mississippi Valley as the driving force behind this outbreak, with strong wind shear, high moisture levels, and unstable atmospheric conditions creating a dangerous environment for supercell thunderstorms. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025 Additionally, new observation systems have virtually eliminated plane crashes associated with wind shear, which were prevalent a few decades ago. Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025 The Santa Ana Winds are known for fanning wildfire flames and causing a vertical wind shear, which can make flying dangerous or impossible. Kristin Jenny, Outside Online, 13 Jan. 2025 Climate change affects the conditions in which thunderstorms form and may be leading to larger outbreaks, though fewer of them, by adding to the instability of the atmosphere while simultaneously cutting back on wind shear. Andrew Freedman, Axios, 28 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for wind shear

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wind shear was in 1941

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wind shear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wind%20shear. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

wind shear

noun
: a radical shift in wind speed and direction that occurs over a very short distance

More from Merriam-Webster on wind shear

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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