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
Fires weren’t the only turbulence.
—
Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 1 Jan. 2026
This turbulence leaves many questions remaining for the year ahead.
—Will Johnson, Time, 1 Jan. 2026
But one Denver restaurant group that has survived the economic turbulence is counting on a unique New Year's Eve experience to keep people coming.
—Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025
But retail investors jumped head first into the turbulence.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulence
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Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 1 Jan. 2026
This turbulence leaves many questions remaining for the year ahead.
—Will Johnson, Time, 1 Jan. 2026
But one Denver restaurant group that has survived the economic turbulence is counting on a unique New Year's Eve experience to keep people coming.
—Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025
But retail investors jumped head first into the turbulence.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulence
Cite this Entry
“Turbulence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turbulence. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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