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
adverbExplore Merriam-Webster
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
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This year politics is center stage, falling amid turbulent geopolitics, and just days ahead of Britain’s June 8 general election.
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Last year, Krause and his colleagues aimed to learn more about the genetic makeup of ancient Egyptian people—and particularly, how their population had been influenced by a particularly turbulent, thousand-year chapter of history.
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But beyond the myths and legends, the Museum of the Revolution in the Border offers a foundation for learning about a turbulent chapter of history that dashed dreams of an egalitarian world across the border.
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Japan’s third-largest shipping line encountered investor discontent in 2016 after swinging to an annual loss amid turbulent times in its industry.
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After living a turbulent life anchored by violence and drugs, Gucci revamped his mindset.
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Sausage making’ Legal issues aside, the emails tell a story of strong personalities and turbulent relationships.
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Arsene Wenger's turbulent year ended with a third FA Cup success in four seasons after Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 to deny the English Premier League champion a double on Saturday.
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But party elders convinced them to wait so a less turbulent transition could be arranged.
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
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: moving in an irregular or violent way
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: 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
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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
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