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
But while there are signs that 2026 could bring further turbulence, not every executive message has been a bleak one.
—
Preston Fore, Fortune, 26 Dec. 2025
In late 2015, Ariana Grande‘s seemingly frictionless ascendance to all-consuming pop superstardom had finally hit a tiny bit of turbulence.
—Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 25 Dec. 2025
Once Uranus leaves Taurus, the turbulence stops.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 23 Dec. 2025
Despite recent trade and foreign policy turbulence, a close look at the data suggests that predictions of globalization’s collapse are overstated.
—Harvard Business Review, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulence
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Preston Fore, Fortune, 26 Dec. 2025
In late 2015, Ariana Grande‘s seemingly frictionless ascendance to all-consuming pop superstardom had finally hit a tiny bit of turbulence.
—Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 25 Dec. 2025
Once Uranus leaves Taurus, the turbulence stops.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 23 Dec. 2025
Despite recent trade and foreign policy turbulence, a close look at the data suggests that predictions of globalization’s collapse are overstated.
—Harvard Business Review, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulence
Cite this Entry
“Turbulence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turbulence. Accessed 3 Jan. 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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