turbulent
adjective
tur·bu·lent
ˈtər-byə-lənt 
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 rebels …—
Anne Brontë
Anne Brontë
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
It’s been a turbulent football year for UCF, FAU and USF.
—Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 3 Dec. 2025
And while gold can offer a store of value during turbulent market times, the price tends to be volatile.
—Sarah O'Brien, CNBC, 3 Dec. 2025
The partnership could even supply a blueprint for a new way of working to help the industry hit its climate goals when money and resources are under strain from a turbulent and unpredictable market.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 1 Dec. 2025
With airlines and airports still recovering after the longest-running government shutdown, riders in Baltimore say the train is the most reliable after a turbulent year in the skies.
—Tara Lynch, CBS News, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
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.
Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 3 Dec. 2025
And while gold can offer a store of value during turbulent market times, the price tends to be volatile.
—Sarah O'Brien, CNBC, 3 Dec. 2025
The partnership could even supply a blueprint for a new way of working to help the industry hit its climate goals when money and resources are under strain from a turbulent and unpredictable market.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 1 Dec. 2025
With airlines and airports still recovering after the longest-running government shutdown, riders in Baltimore say the train is the most reliable after a turbulent year in the skies.
—Tara Lynch, CBS News, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Cite this Entry
“Turbulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turbulent. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
turbulent
adjective
tur·bu·lent
ˈtər-byə-lənt
: causing or being in a state of unrest, violence, or disturbance
a turbulent relationship
turbulently
adverb
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share