Definition of turbulent
1a : exhibiting physical turbulence turbulent airb : characterized by agitation or tumult : tempestuous a turbulent marriage
2 : causing unrest, violence, or disturbance a set of mischievous, turbulent rebels — Anne Brönte
turbulently
adverbFrom the M-W Editors
Examples of turbulent in a Sentence
Turbulent waters caused the boat to capsize.
The sixties were a turbulent period in American history.
Recent Examples of turbulent from the Web
-
Records obtained by the Tribune show Kelly has been found mentally unfit for duty twice during his turbulent career, arrested two times and accused of beating a girlfriend.
-
Large, active funds bearish even as ETF assets rise to record Silver is a turbulent market, with prices down 12% in 3 months Silver, known for being a market of extremes, is living up to its reputation this year.
-
Even in these politically turbulent times, some lawmakers such as U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas continue to hold public meetings.
-
The turbulent motion of superhot plasma causes the magnetic field coursing within to cycle between periods of low and high intensity—resulting in sunspots and solar flares.
-
Egypt has long accused Hamas of providing sanctuary as well as supporting Islamic militants fighting its security forces in the turbulent north of the Sinai Peninsula, a region that borders Gaza and Israel.
-
At the time, the transfer was seen as an example of how far the Obama administration would go in its search for nations to resettle Yemenis whom the United States wouldn’t repatriate to their turbulent homeland.
-
Saudi King Salman promoted his son, Mohammed bin Salman, to crown prince, upending the line of succession for Saudi Arabia and putting a 31-year-old a heartbeat away from the throne during a turbulent period of war and change in the Middle East.
-
The newest of several x-ray telescope in space, the HXMT will observe some of the most turbulent processes in the universe.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'turbulent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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.
Origin and Etymology of turbulent
Latin turbulentus, from turba confusion, crowd — more at turbid
TURBULENT Defined for English Language Learners
turbulent
playDefinition of turbulent for English Language Learners
-
: moving in an irregular or violent way
-
: full of confusion, violence, or disorder : not stable or steady
TURBULENT Defined for Kids
turbulent
playDefinition of turbulent for Students
: causing or being in a state of unrest, violence, or disturbance turbulent protests turbulent weather
Word Root of turbulent
The Latin word turba, meaning “disorder,” gives us the root turb. Words from the Latin turba have something to do with disorder. To disturb is to cause disorder to something or to someone's feelings. To perturb, or trouble, is to cause disorder to someone's mind. Anything turbulent is in a state of violence or disorder.
Learn More about turbulent
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for turbulent Spanish Central: Translation of turbulent Nglish: Translation of turbulent for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of turbulent for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up turbulent? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!