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
The lyrics are often cryptic and clipped, but bear evidence of turbulence and tumult.
—
Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 18 Mar. 2026
Today, the late-night outpost remains despite more than two decades of corporate turbulence.
—Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2026
Citi upgrades Latam Airlines to buy from neutral Citi says the airline is best positioned for oil market turbulence.
—Michael Bloom, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2026
That economic turbulence, the logic goes, would then create political problems for Trump at home with midterm elections less than eight months away.
—Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for turbulence
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Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 18 Mar. 2026
Today, the late-night outpost remains despite more than two decades of corporate turbulence.
—Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2026
Citi upgrades Latam Airlines to buy from neutral Citi says the airline is best positioned for oil market turbulence.
—Michael Bloom, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2026
That economic turbulence, the logic goes, would then create political problems for Trump at home with midterm elections less than eight months away.
—Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 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 19 Mar. 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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