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 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.

Synonyms

• violent
• ferocious
• fierce
• furious
• rough
• volcanic

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

The 1991 Ryder Cup at Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course began under turbulent circumstances. —Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

That's up 16% from 512,000 savers who broke into seven digits on their 401(k) statements in the first quarter's turbulent market. —Susan Tompor, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025

Pulse Picks Fresh off the presses this morning is a troubling story from The Athletic’s investigative team on the Detroit Tigers and their turbulent run of alleged misconduct toward women. —Chris Branch, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025

Moody was waived on Tuesday, ending a turbulent tenure since his 2023 third-round selection. —Cam Inman, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing turbulent

• turbulent flow

Kids 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