turbulent

adjective

tur·​bu·​lent ˈtər-byə-lənt How to pronounce turbulent (audio)
1
a
: exhibiting physical turbulence
turbulent air
b
: characterized by agitation or tumult : tempestuous
a turbulent marriage
2
: causing unrest, violence, or disturbance
a set of mischievous, turbulent rebelsAnne Brönte
turbulently adverb

Did you know?

Some people lead turbulent lives, and some are constantly in the grip of turbulent emotions. The late 1960s are remembered as turbulent years of social revolution in America and Europe. Often the captain of an airplane will warn passengers to fasten their seatbelts because of upper-air turbulence, which can make for a bumpy ride. El Niño, a seasonal current of warm water in the Pacific Ocean, may create turbulence in the winds across the United States, affecting patterns of rainfall and temperature as well.

Examples of turbulent in a Sentence

Turbulent waters caused the boat to capsize. The sixties were a turbulent period in American history.
Recent Examples on the Web Trump's Truth Social stock takes turbulent swings after verdict Here's what to know about the skyrocketing price of GameStop. Max Zahn, ABC News, 3 June 2024 Kesha’s stand against Combs comes in the wake of a turbulent six months for the rapper. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 1 June 2024 From her turbulent relationship with Combs to her modeling and acting career, here’s everything to know about Kim Porter, Combs’ ex. Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 30 May 2024 The runoff came during a turbulent time in the Republican Party — fights were observed through endorsements, campaign donations and public comments and appearances. Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for turbulent 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'turbulent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin turbulentus, from turba confusion, crowd — more at turbid

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of turbulent was in 1538

Dictionary Entries Near turbulent

Cite this Entry

“Turbulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turbulent. Accessed 8 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

turbulent

adjective
tur·​bu·​lent ˈtər-byə-lənt How to pronounce turbulent (audio)
: causing or being in a state of unrest, violence, or disturbance
a turbulent relationship
turbulently adverb

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