-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
Research indicates that climate change impacts 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.
—Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 29 Dec. 2024
Relatively minor wind shear and high water temperatures could aid the strengthening process, according to AccuWeather.
—Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 16 Nov. 2024
Those warm, moist conditions—along with relatively little wind shear, which can disrupt a storm’s center—are also expected to cause Helene to steadily intensify.
—Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 25 Sep. 2024
At lower levels of the atmosphere, there is ample wind shear (winds that blow at different speeds and/or directions at different altitudes) present to support long-lasting, rotating thunderstorms that can produce an array of extreme weather hazards, including tornadoes.
—Andrew Freedman, Axios, 28 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for wind shear
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.
Word History
First Known Use
1941, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near wind shear
Cite this Entry
“Wind shear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wind%20shear. Accessed 18 Jan. 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
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wind shear
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share