turbulent

adjective

tur·​bu·​lent ˈtər-byə-lənt How to pronounce turbulent (audio)
1
a
: exhibiting physical turbulence
turbulent air
b
: characterized by agitation or tumult : tempestuous
a turbulent marriage
2
: causing unrest, violence, or disturbance
a set of mischievous, turbulent rebelsAnne Brönte
turbulently adverb

Did you know?

Some people lead turbulent lives, and some are constantly in the grip of turbulent emotions. The late 1960s are remembered as turbulent years of social revolution in America and Europe. Often the captain of an airplane will warn passengers to fasten their seatbelts because of upper-air turbulence, which can make for a bumpy ride. El Niño, a seasonal current of warm water in the Pacific Ocean, may create turbulence in the winds across the United States, affecting patterns of rainfall and temperature as well.

Examples of turbulent in a Sentence

Turbulent waters caused the boat to capsize. The sixties were a turbulent period in American history.
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.
Losses weren’t quite as dire as on Thursday for media and tech stocks, but the morning still signaled a glum end to a turbulent week. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2025 From playing a spirited college student in All American: Homecoming to navigating the turbulent world of Snowfall, Williams has mastered the art of transformation. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 4 Apr. 2025 The court’s decision marks the end of what has been a turbulent presidency. Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2025 Your skill may be found in the analytical nature of your thinking, empathy for others, or an ability to remain calm in turbulent situations. Ken Polk, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for turbulent

Word History

Etymology

Latin turbulentus, from turba confusion, crowd — more at turbid

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of turbulent was in 1538

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Turbulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turbulent. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

turbulent

adjective
tur·​bu·​lent ˈtər-byə-lənt How to pronounce turbulent (audio)
: causing or being in a state of unrest, violence, or disturbance
a turbulent relationship
turbulently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on turbulent

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