turbulence

noun

tur·​bu·​lence ˈtər-byə-lən(t)s How to pronounce turbulence (audio)
: 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 At high speeds, the skin generates a very thin layer of turbulence. David Szondy, New Atlas, 18 July 2024 Surging energy demand from AI and data centers may have unleashed short-term turbulence for grid stability and decarbonization — but Rama Variankaval sees innovation in the crisis. Alan Neuhauser, Axios, 15 July 2024 In 2022, 17 people suffered serious turbulence injuries; in 2021, there were six, FAA says. Niha Masih, Washington Post, 2 July 2024 Responding to turbulence Aviation companies have their own protocol to ensure safety when dealing with turbulence. Koh Ewe, TIME, 2 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for turbulence 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'turbulence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of turbulence was in 1595

Dictionary Entries Near turbulence

Cite this Entry

“Turbulence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turbulence. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

turbulence

noun
tur·​bu·​lence ˈtər-byə-lən(t)s How to pronounce turbulence (audio)
: the quality or state of being turbulent
especially : irregular atmospheric motion with up and down currents
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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