turbulence

noun

tur·​bu·​lence ˈtər-byə-lən(t)s How to pronounce turbulence (audio)
: 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 Biden’s visit comes at a time of some turbulence within his own party. Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 19 Mar. 2024 Chief among those sources of turbulence is China’s fraught relationship with the United States. Lily Kuo, Washington Post, 13 Mar. 2024 The schedule’s top-billing designers took the mic to stress the positive role fashion can play, while acknowledging — without being specific — the increasing turbulence the world is facing. Scarlett Conlon, CNN, 27 Feb. 2024 The cognitive empathy required to lead others in times of crisis is not necessarily innate but can be learned, and is particularly important in the context of turbulence and crisis. London Business School, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 Campaign turbulence Late campaign turbulence in two competitive races complicated two contests. Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2024 Single malt scotch managed to exceed the £2bn milestone in 2023 despite global economic turbulence and the sector showed growth despite contraction in the larger, blended part of the market. Mark Littler, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 This novel technology allows for a much smoother ride, even amid turbulence. Dan Sloat, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2024 During times of political strife and unease – war, climate change, economic turbulence (and of course, a pandemic) – people tend to question other institutions as well. David Oliver, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'turbulence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of turbulence was in 1595

Dictionary Entries Near turbulence

Cite this Entry

“Turbulence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turbulence. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

turbulence

noun
tur·​bu·​lence ˈtər-byə-lən(t)s How to pronounce turbulence (audio)
: the quality or state of being turbulent
especially : irregular atmospheric motion with up and down currents
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!