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
According to Paul Williams, a professor of atmospheric science at the University of Reading, there's no clear data on just how climate change is affecting mountain waves or convective turbulence, but clear air turbulence is becoming more frequent and intense.
—
Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 6 June 2025
Along with interruptions in longer studies, the turbulence in the field has led to hesitation in researchers wanting to start a career in this area, as there are few safe spaces for the studies left.
—Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 4 June 2025
These are generations that came of age in times of cultural turbulence, digital abundance and social consciousness.
—Abhishek Humbad, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
The halo’s outward expansion experienced some turbulence, creating swirls that gathered mass, creating gravitational traps that drew in even more mass over time.
—Robin George Andrews, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulence
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Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 6 June 2025
Along with interruptions in longer studies, the turbulence in the field has led to hesitation in researchers wanting to start a career in this area, as there are few safe spaces for the studies left.
—Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 4 June 2025
These are generations that came of age in times of cultural turbulence, digital abundance and social consciousness.
—Abhishek Humbad, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
The halo’s outward expansion experienced some turbulence, creating swirls that gathered mass, creating gravitational traps that drew in even more mass over time.
—Robin George Andrews, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 May 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 17 Jun. 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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