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

Flohr, with a fleet of almost 200 planes and an order for up to 160 new Bombardier jets over the next decade, doesn’t see any turbulence on the horizon. — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026

How This Crisis Feels Different Workforce organizations have weathered plenty of turbulence before, from the Great Recession of the early 2000s to the Covid-19 pandemic. — Philip Weinberg, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Now, their collection is being marketed as one of the last great tranches of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art — a period of art that has become a safety net during economic turbulence. — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026

To be sure, some countries have benefited from the turbulence in the energy sector. — Dan Restrepo, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026

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