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
With one technique, for example—called imaginal exposure—you might be asked to visualize the process of going to the airport, boarding the plane, and experiencing a bad bout of turbulence.
—
Angela Haupt, TIME, 10 May 2024
In case of turbulence, the seat belt light will turn on, and flight attendants may come around the cabin to check that everyone is buckled up.
—Chris Heasman, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for turbulence 
Angela Haupt, TIME, 10 May 2024
In case of turbulence, the seat belt light will turn on, and flight attendants may come around the cabin to check that everyone is buckled up.
—Chris Heasman, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for turbulence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'turbulence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near turbulence
Cite this Entry
“Turbulence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turbulence. Accessed 18 May. 2024.
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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