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

After years of on-and-off turbulence, the pair finalized their separation, allowing Cardi the space to rebuild emotionally and refocus both her artistry and her personal life. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 14 Nov. 2025

In summary, the administrative turbulence would ease if a deal were achieved. —Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2025

But financial turbulence at Sonder undermined the agreement, leading to Marriot’s abrupt abandonment of the partnership because of Sonder’s default. —Sydney Lake, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025

Aerospace engineers have long struggled to understand turbulence at these extreme Mach numbers fully. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 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