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

The plane took some time to take off, turbulence with a 5-7 mark in 2022 that was followed by a 7-6 year, but Miami produced a 10-3 record in 2024 and last year went 13-3 as the team fell just shy of the program’s sixth national title. — Bob Ferrante, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026

However, sending light through the atmosphere creates another problem, which is that turbulence can distort its path and potentially scramble the quantum information. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 23 Aug. 2026

The crew made sure the water level wasn’t high enough to slosh around the inside of the aircraft, in case the plane encountered turbulence. — Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026

Global markets have been volatile this year, with a fresh bout of turbulence hitting equity and bond markets this week. — Chloe Taylor,lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026

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