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

Bullion has broken successive records this year as investors seek safety in the face of turbulence from trade wars, geopolitical tensions and growing concerns about a potential government funding crisis in the US. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025

These fluctuations act like turbulence in the sky, signaling a boundary between phases of matter. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2025

This time around, the Tigers endured slightly less turbulence in a 42-6 win over UMass on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. —Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2025

In spring 1525, the ‘Aufruhr,’ or ‘turbulence,’ as contemporaries called it, had reached its height, rolling all before it. —Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 2025

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