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
The more sustainable path is to design workplaces where trust and clarity replace turbulence.
—
Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Decades of friendship and good will between the world's two largest democracies provide a solid basis to move past the current turbulence.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
New York — The Dow on Friday was trying to close at its first record high of the year, as Wall Street has maintained optimism despite signs of underlying turbulence in the economy.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
Do: Wipe it down with a disinfectant wipe Even a set of steel quads and a lifelong history of squatting over public toilet seats are no match for a surprise bout of airplane turbulence.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulence
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Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Decades of friendship and good will between the world's two largest democracies provide a solid basis to move past the current turbulence.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
New York — The Dow on Friday was trying to close at its first record high of the year, as Wall Street has maintained optimism despite signs of underlying turbulence in the economy.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
Do: Wipe it down with a disinfectant wipe Even a set of steel quads and a lifelong history of squatting over public toilet seats are no match for a surprise bout of airplane turbulence.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 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 28 Aug. 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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