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

Sunday’s mishap comes less than two weeks after severe turbulence struck a Delta flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing in Minnesota and sending 25 people on board to hospitals. —Devon M. Sayers, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2025

When delays stack up, luggage gets lost, or unexpected turbulence hits, passengers get antsy—and the more anxious among them may start to dwell on the mortal risk inherent in flying, at least until flight attendants provide fresh beverages. —Jeff Wise, The Atlantic, 8 Aug. 2025

Yet behind the scenes, there's emotional turbulence. —New Atlas, 8 Aug. 2025

But despite the turbulence, capital is still flowing into private equity. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 7 Aug. 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