1
: moving in an irregular or violent way
Turbulent waters caused the boat to capsize.
2
: full of confusion, violence, or disorder : not stable or steady
The sixties were a turbulent period in American history.
a turbulent relationship
Cite this Entry
“Turbulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/turbulent. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.
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