turbulent
adjective
tur·bu·lent
ˈtər-byə-lənt 
1
a
: exhibiting physical turbulence
turbulent air
b
: characterized by agitation or tumult : tempestuous
a turbulent marriage
2
: causing unrest, violence, or disturbance
a set of mischievous, turbulent rebels—
Anne Brönte
Anne Brönte
turbulently
adverb
Did you know?
Some people lead turbulent lives, and some are constantly in the grip of turbulent emotions. The late 1960s are remembered as turbulent years of social revolution in America and Europe. Often the captain of an airplane will warn passengers to fasten their seatbelts because of upper-air turbulence, which can make for a bumpy ride. El Niño, a seasonal current of warm water in the Pacific Ocean, may create turbulence in the winds across the United States, affecting patterns of rainfall and temperature as well.
Examples of turbulent in a Sentence
Turbulent waters caused the boat to capsize.
The sixties were a turbulent period in American history.
Recent Examples on the Web
These steps prevent, rather than heal, costly losses that weaken a company’s cash position, especially in turbulent times.
—Dean Kaplan, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
This time, there’s still some uneasiness around the organization, mainly rooted in its turbulent recent past.
—James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Both Universal and Disney have leaned heavily on parks to generate profits during a turbulent period elsewhere across the media industry.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 21 May 2025
Instant Family focuses on the steps to becoming a foster parent and the turbulent transition period when children are brought into a new home.
—Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
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Dean Kaplan, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
This time, there’s still some uneasiness around the organization, mainly rooted in its turbulent recent past.
—James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Both Universal and Disney have leaned heavily on parks to generate profits during a turbulent period elsewhere across the media industry.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 21 May 2025
Instant Family focuses on the steps to becoming a foster parent and the turbulent transition period when children are brought into a new home.
—Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for turbulent
Cite this Entry
“Turbulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turbulent. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
turbulent
adjective
tur·bu·lent
ˈtər-byə-lənt
: causing or being in a state of unrest, violence, or disturbance
a turbulent relationship
turbulently
adverb
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