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 Context Economists and Wall Street analysts still expect two or three rate reductions in 2025, owing in large part to the economic turbulence triggered by Trump's sweeping tariffs, which have clouded the Fed's policy outlook. —Sonam Sheth gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025

Elsewhere in the interview, Tilton touched on her childhood, which was marked by profound turbulence. —Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 2 May 2025

In this case, economists say that the turbulence that is rocking almost every sector of the U.S. economy, and much of the world, is tied directly to Trump's policy prescriptions. —Susan Page, USA Today, 1 May 2025

Military families, whose stability should be a national priority, are left instead navigating economic turbulence born out of reckless policymaking. —Michael B Smith, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing turbulence

• clear-air turbulence

Kids 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