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
After months of political turbulence, the UK’s Data (Use and Access) Bill has finally passed Parliament.
—
Virginie Berger, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
While the past few years have seen turbulence across the global animation landscape, from Disney to smaller European houses like TeamTO, Kouame remains confident that Africa’s storytelling riches will continue to captivate audiences.
—Essie Assibu, Variety, 24 June 2025
American Airlines Flight 1286 was traveling from Miami International Airport to Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina on Sunday when the Airbus A321 hit turbulence.
—Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 23 June 2025
An earlier 2019 study in Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance found turbulence, unfamiliar aircraft noises, and the threat of terror attacks were among the top anxiety triggers.
—Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulence
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Virginie Berger, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
While the past few years have seen turbulence across the global animation landscape, from Disney to smaller European houses like TeamTO, Kouame remains confident that Africa’s storytelling riches will continue to captivate audiences.
—Essie Assibu, Variety, 24 June 2025
American Airlines Flight 1286 was traveling from Miami International Airport to Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina on Sunday when the Airbus A321 hit turbulence.
—Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 23 June 2025
An earlier 2019 study in Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance found turbulence, unfamiliar aircraft noises, and the threat of terror attacks were among the top anxiety triggers.
—Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 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 4 Jul. 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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