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
Venezuela has experienced serious economic turbulence in the last 12 years.
—
Miami Herald, 1 Dec. 2025
India’s economy grew at a faster-than-expected pace in the third quarter despite global economic turbulence.
—Kate McKenna, semafor.com, 30 Nov. 2025
Consumer spending has held relatively steady this year despite macroeconomic turbulence.
—Jaewon Kang, Fortune, 28 Nov. 2025
Even during turbulence, their phone stayed perfectly in place.
—Annita Katee, Travel + Leisure, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulence
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Miami Herald, 1 Dec. 2025
India’s economy grew at a faster-than-expected pace in the third quarter despite global economic turbulence.
—Kate McKenna, semafor.com, 30 Nov. 2025
Consumer spending has held relatively steady this year despite macroeconomic turbulence.
—Jaewon Kang, Fortune, 28 Nov. 2025
Even during turbulence, their phone stayed perfectly in place.
—Annita Katee, Travel + Leisure, 25 Nov. 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 7 Dec. 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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