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

Winging it or making emotional decisions are recipes for turbulence, instability, and anxiety. —Wes Moss, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025

And in spite of market turbulence caused by Mr. Trump's tariff threats, some experts think stocks are likely to gain strength in the months to come, although not without periodic bouts of volatility. —Alain Sherter, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2025

Slaughter’s comments came amid a period of heavy stock market turbulence, as investors grapple with uncertainty surrounding Trump’s policy decisions. —Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 19 Mar. 2025

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a total of 37 passengers and 146 crew members were seriously injured as a result of turbulence from 2009 to 2023. —Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 16 Mar. 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