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
There are many things that China and Germany do not see eye-to-eye on — notably Russia's war in Ukraine — but the leaders of the world's second and third largest economies nonetheless pledged Wednesday to work to deepen ties in an era of global turbulence.
—
ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026
The market turbulence comes even as Beijing accelerates its AI push.
—Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2026
But for retirees and near-retirees watching their account balances fluctuate, that kind of turbulence represents more than just a slightly dwindling account balance or portfolio value.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2026
However, turbulence is a normal part of flying and doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong.
—Evan Roberts, NPR, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for turbulence
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ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026
The market turbulence comes even as Beijing accelerates its AI push.
—Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2026
But for retirees and near-retirees watching their account balances fluctuate, that kind of turbulence represents more than just a slightly dwindling account balance or portfolio value.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2026
However, turbulence is a normal part of flying and doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong.
—Evan Roberts, NPR, 24 Feb. 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 26 Feb. 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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