turbulent

adjective

tur·​bu·​lent ˈtər-byə-lənt How to pronounce turbulent (audio)
1
a
: exhibiting physical turbulence
turbulent air
b
: characterized by agitation or tumult : tempestuous
a turbulent marriage
2
: causing unrest, violence, or disturbance
a set of mischievous, turbulent rebelsAnne Brönte
turbulently adverb

Did you know?

Some people lead turbulent lives, and some are constantly in the grip of turbulent emotions. The late 1960s are remembered as turbulent years of social revolution in America and Europe. Often the captain of an airplane will warn passengers to fasten their seatbelts because of upper-air turbulence, which can make for a bumpy ride. El Niño, a seasonal current of warm water in the Pacific Ocean, may create turbulence in the winds across the United States, affecting patterns of rainfall and temperature as well.

Examples of turbulent in a Sentence

Turbulent waters caused the boat to capsize. The sixties were a turbulent period in American history.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep in mind, substantial wealth can be created in the market by those who maintain a composed and strategic approach during turbulent times. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025 The film spans two decades of a country in profound transformation with a new perspective into contemporary China and individual experience amid turbulent change. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 9 May 2025 The stakes are high, as the visits take place amid turbulent geopolitical tensions. Natasha Turak, CNBC, 9 May 2025 The media giant exceeded expectations in its most recent quarter, bolstered by an unexpected boost in its Disney+ streaming business and strong results from its theme parks that suggested consumer resilience despite a turbulent global economic environment. Lisa Richwine, USA Today, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for turbulent

Word History

Etymology

Latin turbulentus, from turba confusion, crowd — more at turbid

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of turbulent was in 1538

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Cite this Entry

“Turbulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turbulent. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

turbulent

adjective
tur·​bu·​lent ˈtər-byə-lənt How to pronounce turbulent (audio)
: causing or being in a state of unrest, violence, or disturbance
a turbulent relationship
turbulently adverb

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