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 three scientists successfully verified that microscopic magnetic turbulence can initiate magnetic reconnection, causing a cascade of effects that reorganize plasma on a macroscopic scale.
—
Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2025
Unlike the closed-coupe Chiron, which cocoons you from its inner workings, the Mistral delivers a raw mechanical sound bath, tempered only by a pop-in wind deflector (fixed in examples for North America)—just aft of the seats—that reduces cabin turbulence and shields air-flow.
—Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 20 Sep. 2025
Ominous landscapes reflect incoming weather that mirrors the turbulence between characters.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2025
The Biden administration granted the protections citing a severe humanitarian emergency, a collapse of basic services, political turbulence and economic problems.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulence
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Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2025
Unlike the closed-coupe Chiron, which cocoons you from its inner workings, the Mistral delivers a raw mechanical sound bath, tempered only by a pop-in wind deflector (fixed in examples for North America)—just aft of the seats—that reduces cabin turbulence and shields air-flow.
—Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 20 Sep. 2025
Ominous landscapes reflect incoming weather that mirrors the turbulence between characters.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2025
The Biden administration granted the protections citing a severe humanitarian emergency, a collapse of basic services, political turbulence and economic problems.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 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 26 Sep. 2025.
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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