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
When one drone flies directly above another, the downward airflow from its propellers creates strong turbulence.
—
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Oct. 2025
Signs of the Times – Shorts capturing the turbulence, contradictions, and urgent questions of today’s society.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025
In 2020, Thompson was appointed president of the University of Wisconsin system and led state universities through the turbulence of the first two years of the coronavirus pandemic.
—Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025
In aircraft design, various components can protrude from the plane’s body and disrupt this smooth airflow, introducing turbulence and increasing drag.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulence
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Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Oct. 2025
Signs of the Times – Shorts capturing the turbulence, contradictions, and urgent questions of today’s society.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025
In 2020, Thompson was appointed president of the University of Wisconsin system and led state universities through the turbulence of the first two years of the coronavirus pandemic.
—Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025
In aircraft design, various components can protrude from the plane’s body and disrupt this smooth airflow, introducing turbulence and increasing drag.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulence
Cite this Entry
“Turbulence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turbulence. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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