How to pronounce turbulent
Say it like TUR-byuh-lunt. Turbulent has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce turbulent. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TUR
- byuh
- lunt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Turbulent pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- byuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- luntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of turbulent
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: TUR-byuu-lunt.
What does turbulent mean?
- Violently disturbed or agitated; tempestuous, tumultuous.“It is dangerous to sail in turbulent seas.”
- Being in, or causing, disturbance or unrest.“The mid-19th century was a turbulent time in American history.”
Where does turbulent come from?
From Middle English turbulent, from Middle French turbulent, from Latin turbulentus, from turba (“disorder, tumult, crowd”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying turbulent
How do you pronounce turbulent?
Say TUR-byuh-lunt. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɝbjələnt/. In British English it is /ˈtɜːbjʊlənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in turbulent?
Turbulent has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TUR). Broken into parts: TUR · byuh · lunt.
Is turbulent pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈtɜːbjʊlənt/ (TUR-byuu-lunt).