turbulence

noun

tur·​bu·​lence ˈtər-byə-lən(t)s How to pronounce turbulence (audio)
: 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
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.
Inside Southwest's network operation center in Dallas, Sarah Heugel monitored the cross-country journey, watching for turbulence, bad weather, or airport backups that could cause delays. Kris Van Cleave, CBS News, 26 Nov. 2024 But climate change research suggests turbulence will get worse because of increasing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. Carly Lewis, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024 Israel should brace itself for more turbulence ahead. Shalom Lipner, Foreign Affairs, 25 Nov. 2024 But here's the thing: while the rule of law serves as a foundational principle, it's been feeling increasingly distant to many Americans navigating today's political turbulence. Aron Solomon, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for turbulence 

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of turbulence was in 1595

Dictionary Entries Near turbulence

Cite this Entry

“Turbulence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turbulence. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

turbulence

noun
tur·​bu·​lence ˈtər-byə-lən(t)s How to pronounce turbulence (audio)
: the quality or state of being turbulent
especially : irregular atmospheric motion with up and down currents
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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