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.
There has also been a lot of wind shear and dry air over the Gulf and the Caribbean. — Kairi Lowery, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026 The pattern creates more widespread wind shear and sinking air across the Atlantic basin, which tend to break up developing storms. — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 May 2026 Instability, such as a moist, warm environment that provides the ingredients for a thunderstorm, and wind shear. — Amy Lavalley, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026 El Niño, however, is associated with higher vertical wind shear in the Atlantic, which disrupts this process. — Evan Bush, NBC news, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wind shear

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wind shear was in 1895

Rhymes for wind shear

See All Rhymes for wind shear

Browse Nearby Words

wind-shaken
wind shear
wind sheet
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wind shear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wind%20shear. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

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