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

While many may believe the days of pandemics are behind us, a new bird flu epidemic could threaten that assumption, leading to more economic turbulence. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 4 Jan. 2025

Hu’s key insight was that economic growth was not enough to power the Chinese state; without the legitimacy afforded by political reform and democratization, China would experience turbulence in its modernization and development. —Foreign Affairs, 1 Jan. 2025

As the global economy faces turbulence, the United States confronts a critical financial challenge: the steady decline in the dollar's purchasing power. —Becca Bratcher, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

Essentially, like bikers in a peloton, the schooling fish could weather turbulence and save energy. —Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024

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