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

But alongside this turbulence, the market forces driving the clean economy remain undeniable. —Mindy Lubber, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

But the trajectory of a river is not defined by the turbulence of the water in it. —Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025

The program traces a path from Zehetmair’s contemporary turbulence back through the romantic reconciliation of Johannes Brahms’ last orchestral work to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s final symphony. —Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025

Amid turbulence following the shoot Rupert Wyatt had been taken off the project by MBC but was subsequently reinstated on the project. —Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing turbulence

• clear-air turbulence

Kids 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