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

Quint is hopeful that after years of turbulence, the global trade picture clears up soon. —Matt Egan, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025

Yet amid the turbulence, Target made some progress on sustainability, offering a rare bright spot in an otherwise challenging year. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 10 Oct. 2025

Oracle shares have seen some turbulence of late, losing nearly 10% in the past month amid concerns over the stability of the artificial intelligence trade. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025

However, the rally has not been without turbulence. —Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 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