turbulence
noun
tur·bu·lence
ˈtər-byə-lən(t)s 
: the quality or state of being turbulent: such as
a
: great commotion or agitation
emotional turbulence
b
: irregular atmospheric motion especially when characterized by up-and-down currents
c
: departure in a fluid from a smooth flow
Examples of turbulence in a Sentence
The plane hit quite a bit of turbulence during our flight.
A period of turbulence preceded the riots.
Recent Examples on the Web
This could spark some market turbulence that could even affect the portfolios of people who didn't actively buy SpaceX stock.
—
John Ruwitch, NPR, 11 June 2026
The landmark Basilica of Sacre-Coeur (Sacred Heart) in Paris has long been perceived as a symbol of Catholic resistance to secularism amid France's revolutionary turbulence.
—ABC News, 10 June 2026
On the second leg of their trip, from Atlanta to Newport News, the plane encountered some turbulence.
—Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
Amid this year's turbulence, real estate stocks have outperformed — overcoming any concerns around rising interest rates, which usually pressure REITs due to their high capital costs and dividends.
—Michelle Fox, CNBC, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for turbulence
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John Ruwitch, NPR, 11 June 2026
The landmark Basilica of Sacre-Coeur (Sacred Heart) in Paris has long been perceived as a symbol of Catholic resistance to secularism amid France's revolutionary turbulence.
—ABC News, 10 June 2026
On the second leg of their trip, from Atlanta to Newport News, the plane encountered some turbulence.
—Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
Amid this year's turbulence, real estate stocks have outperformed — overcoming any concerns around rising interest rates, which usually pressure REITs due to their high capital costs and dividends.
—Michelle Fox, CNBC, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for turbulence
Cite this Entry
“Turbulence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turbulence. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
turbulence
noun
tur·bu·lence
ˈtər-byə-lən(t)s
: the quality or state of being turbulent
especially
: irregular atmospheric motion with up and down currents
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