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 Bucks’ early season turbulence—starting 2-8 before clawing back to 12-11—highlighted just how much this team missed its third assassin. Brian Sampson, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024 But turbulence in her life upped her sense of urgency: Between February 2020 and February 2021, Rutkay gave birth to her son, her grandmother died and she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in her right thigh. Megan Sauer, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024 Yes, turbulence is getting worse:What to know To reduce the risk of injury due to unexpected turbulence, the Federal Aviation Administration recommends passengers follow flight crew instructions and keep their seat belts buckled at all times. Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024 Visibility was poor on Sunday and Kim sought permission to change his altitude due to turbulence before the crash, Kusminsky said. CBS News, 26 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near turbulence

Cite this Entry

“Turbulence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turbulence. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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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