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

Meanwhile, turbulence is getting more frequent and severe, which is impacting flights in a variety of ways. — Zach Wichter, USA Today, 1 July 2026

Even while Brown guided the Celtics to a surprising second-place finish, signs of potential turbulence started to emerge. — Jay King, New York Times, 1 July 2026

His fortune has risen by nearly $8 billion since the DOJ dropped the case against him last month, despite turbulence in the Indian stock market amid the war in Iran. — Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 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