-
- 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
And wind shear—the sudden change in wind strength or direction, over a short distance—at airplane cruising altitudes has increased by 15 percent since 1979, a trend expected to further increase by between 17 percent and 29 percent by the end of the century.
—Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 May 2024
La Niña conditions can help spark Atlantic hurricane activity by lessening wind shear in the tropics, according to NOAA.
—Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 24 May 2024
Other contributing factors are lower levels of wind shear, which can destabilize baby storms and halt them from strengthening; weaker trade winds, which blow east to west; and a stronger, wetter African Monsoon Season, which can spark more storm formation.
—Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 23 May 2024
As one of the strongest El Niños ever observed nears its end, NOAA predicts a quick transition to La Niña conditions, which are conducive to Atlantic hurricane activity because these conditions tend to lessen wind shear in the tropics.
—Hunter Geisel, CBS News, 23 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for wind shear
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wind shear.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 10 Jun. 2024.
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