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

Its smooth Flĕx Wing is like an in-air shock absorber, engineered to help dampen turbulence for the industry’s smoothest ride and the best wet and dry runway performance. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2025

News of the submission comes amid political turbulence in the Indian Ocean country, lying off the Southeastern coast of Africa, following a coup last week by Colonel Michael Randrianirina. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025

Taken together, the turbulence surrounding what was once a reliable partner is prompting some states to prepare for a different relationship with FEMA. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2025

Another core principle of this season has been uncertainty and turbulence, which is now carrying through to the offseason. —Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 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