turbulence
noun
tur·bu·lence
ˈtər-byə-lən(t)s 
: the quality or state of being turbulent: such as
a
: great commotion or agitation
emotional turbulence
b
: irregular atmospheric motion especially when characterized by up-and-down currents
c
: departure in a fluid from a smooth flow
Examples of turbulence in a Sentence
The plane hit quite a bit of turbulence during our flight.
A period of turbulence preceded the riots.
Recent Examples on the Web
In one 2024 survey of affluent older Americans, Boston College researchers found, long-term care ranked fifth among financial worries in retirement, behind stock market turbulence, Social Security cuts and other concerns.
—
Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 6 July 2025
Exit rows are popular for legroom and turbulence control, while aisle seats near the galley or lavatory were universally avoided.
—Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 6 July 2025
The lesson is that, in today’s Britain, the refusal to pursue meaningful change leads to perpetual turbulence and instability.
—Oliver Eagleton, Time, 5 July 2025
Over the last decade, some of America’s top retailers, including Gap, American Eagle and Nike, have all reduced their reliance on China to shield themselves from both high tariffs and the region’s geopolitical turbulence.
—Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulence
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Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 6 July 2025
Exit rows are popular for legroom and turbulence control, while aisle seats near the galley or lavatory were universally avoided.
—Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 6 July 2025
The lesson is that, in today’s Britain, the refusal to pursue meaningful change leads to perpetual turbulence and instability.
—Oliver Eagleton, Time, 5 July 2025
Over the last decade, some of America’s top retailers, including Gap, American Eagle and Nike, have all reduced their reliance on China to shield themselves from both high tariffs and the region’s geopolitical turbulence.
—Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulence
Cite this Entry
“Turbulence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turbulence. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
turbulence
noun
tur·bu·lence
ˈtər-byə-lən(t)s
: the quality or state of being turbulent
especially
: irregular atmospheric motion with up and down currents
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