turbulent

adjective

tur·​bu·​lent ˈtər-byə-lənt How to pronounce turbulent (audio)
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 rebelsAnne 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
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.
In the recent Saturday Night movie, which mythologizes the series’ turbulent birth, Gabrielle LaBelle (playing a young Michaels) gives a speech about how SNL should feel like a wild night out in the city, all jazz and revelry. Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2024 In these turbulent times, the role of states in safeguarding fundamental rights has never been more crucial. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024 The strike, Boeing's first machinist walkout since 2008, follows a turbulent period for the aerospace giant. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 Keep calm and trade on Keep calm and trade on — that’s the mantra many investors are repeating to themselves through one of the most turbulent news weeks of the year. Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for turbulent 

Word History

Etymology

Latin turbulentus, from turba confusion, crowd — more at turbid

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of turbulent was in 1538

Dictionary Entries Near turbulent

Cite this Entry

“Turbulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turbulent. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

turbulent

adjective
tur·​bu·​lent ˈtər-byə-lənt How to pronounce turbulent (audio)
: causing or being in a state of unrest, violence, or disturbance
a turbulent relationship
turbulently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on turbulent

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