turbulence

noun

tur·​bu·​lence ˈtər-byə-lən(t)s How to pronounce turbulence (audio)
Synonyms of turbulence
: 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.
At least four flight attendants were injured when a United flight heading to Los Angeles encountered turbulence during descent on Wednesday night. — Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 The world's largest sovereign wealth fund, NBIM, has posted a $30 billion loss amid the bond market turbulence. — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026 Four flight attendants were injured on a United Airlines flight from Hawaii to Los Angeles on Wednesday night after the plane experienced turbulence during the descent. — Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 These drastically reduce low-pressure turbulence behind the massive 22-inch alloy wheels and keeping the wagon glued to the tarmac. — New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2026 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

Phrases Containing turbulence

Browse Nearby Words

turbulator
turbulence
turbulency
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Turbulence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turbulence. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on turbulence

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for turbulence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about turbulence

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