turbulence

noun

Rough, unsettled movement of the air that shakes an aircraft in flight.

Example sentences

“The pilot asked everyone to fasten their seatbelts because of turbulence.”
“The flight was smooth until we hit turbulence over the mountains.”

The word passengers hear in flight announcements. Also figurative: 'political turbulence', 'a period of turbulence'.

Related words

conciergeA hotel employee whose job is to help guests with requests such as bookings and directions.altitudeHeight above a fixed reference point, usually sea level.motelA roadside hotel for people traveling by car, where guests usually park right outside their rooms.cockpitThe area at the front of an aircraft or spacecraft where the pilot sits and operates the controls.hostelA budget place to stay overnight where travelers, especially young ones, often share rooms and bathrooms.cabinThe section of an aircraft where the passengers sit.