turbulence

noun

tur·​bu·​lence ˈtər-byə-lən(t)s How to pronounce turbulence (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The previous metal topped a three-week high on Monday , as investors piled into gold, which is usually considered a safe haven asset in times of turbulence. Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 15 July 2025 This consistent stream of income becomes especially valuable during periods of market turbulence, when price appreciation may be harder to come by. David Thomas, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 Gold’s surge of more than 25% this year is another sign of collapsing market confidence in the U.S., as is Treasury yields remaining elevated despite market turbulence, Lachman said. Danny Bakst, Fortune, 13 July 2025 At the same time, the students have to keep track of turbulence and other factors that might disrupt planes trying to navigate the airspace. Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for turbulence

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of turbulence was in 1595

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Turbulence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turbulence. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

turbulence

noun
tur·​bu·​lence ˈtər-byə-lən(t)s How to pronounce turbulence (audio)
: the quality or state of being turbulent
especially : irregular atmospheric motion with up and down currents
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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