adjective
turbulent
TUR-byuh-luhnt/ˈtɜːrbjələnt/
Moving with violent irregular disturbance.
The turbulent river tosses our small boat from side to side.
Etymology
Literally “full of commotion,” the word connects social disorder with physical disturbance. That shared idea covers both unruly people and stormy, violently moving air or water.
In context
The two collide and are churned further by howling winds in the jet stream. It's a turbulent breeding ground for super cells. Some of the most dangerous storms on Earth.
More examples
- The plane shakes as it passes through turbulent air.
- Swimmers stay out of the turbulent water below the dam.
- The sea grows more turbulent as the wind strengthens.
Forms
turbulent · more turbulent · most turbulent
turbulence noun — Violent, irregular movement of air or water.
Similar words
- rough
- Describes uneven or forceful movement without necessarily emphasizing irregular flow.
- choppy
- Describes water with short, uneven waves rather than violent swirling.