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

But surviving the turbulence is not the same as lasting. — Monica Duffy Toft, The Conversation, 25 June 2026

The turbulence is often a result of jet streams — layers of air masses flowing at varying speeds — that differ in temperature. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026

Owning gold is a major way for central banks to create financial stability through economic turbulence. — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 24 June 2026

Now, 10 years to the day after the Brexit vote and with six prime ministers having been felled by economic and political turbulence, the country once again looks to a new leader — and back to the crucible that helped set it on this torrid journey. — Alexander Smith, NBC news, 23 June 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