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 the geopolitical turbulence flowing from the White House is prompting many European leaders to consider the previously unthinkable – a future squarely on their own two feet. —Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 22 Jan. 2026

Engines roar, hulls push aside spray, and speed comes at the expense of drag, noise, and turbulence. —New Atlas, 21 Jan. 2026

In the wake of market turbulence, investors turned again to gold and silver, again rocketing prices close to the all-time highs hit last week. —Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026

Software stocks have been experiencing some turbulence as of late as investors worry that the group may face a threat from AI. —Pia Singh, CNBC, 20 Jan. 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