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

Given the turbulence of the situation, half of all leaders still reported low confidence in their abilities to execute investment plans and strategy. —Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2026

Thunderstorm turbulence can be highly severe due to powerful updrafts and downdrafts within storm systems. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026

Gold — typically seen as a safe haven asset that benefits from broader turbulence — has been dragged into the sell-off and is headed for its worst monthly performance since 2008. —Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026

The turbulence in energy markets came as the S&P 500 managed a modest gain after five consecutive weeks of losses. —Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 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