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
Historically, during periods of market turbulence and economic uncertainty, investors typically seek refuge in safe-haven assets—with U.S. Treasury bonds and the dollar being the traditional gold standards of security.
—
Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Spending by better-off Americans has played a key role in keeping the US economy humming along these past few years, but the recent turbulence on Wall Street, triggered by Trump’s tariffs, is putting that under threat.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025
There was some turbulence during Bad Robot’s previous deal.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 11 Apr. 2025
Rates for home loans dropped slightly, offering a slight reprieve to Americans in the market to buy a home amid turbulence in the broader financial markets.
—Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulence
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Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Spending by better-off Americans has played a key role in keeping the US economy humming along these past few years, but the recent turbulence on Wall Street, triggered by Trump’s tariffs, is putting that under threat.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025
There was some turbulence during Bad Robot’s previous deal.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 11 Apr. 2025
Rates for home loans dropped slightly, offering a slight reprieve to Americans in the market to buy a home amid turbulence in the broader financial markets.
—Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 11 Apr. 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 22 Apr. 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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