turnstile

noun

turn·​stile ˈtərn-ˌstī(-ə)l How to pronounce turnstile (audio)
: a post with arms pivoted on the top set in a passageway so that persons can pass through only on foot one by one

Examples of turnstile in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web While some riders welcomed the tactic, others remained skeptical — and some jumped turnstiles to avoid the new rules. Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2024 From the turnstiles to the FastPass+ entrance to the photographer on Main Street, there are so, so many touchpoints throughout the day. Deanne Revel, Parents, 22 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for turnstile 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'turnstile.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1643, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of turnstile was circa 1643

Dictionary Entries Near turnstile

Cite this Entry

“Turnstile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turnstile. Accessed 3 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

turnstile

noun
turn·​stile -ˌstīl How to pronounce turnstile (audio)
: a post having arms which turn around that is set in an entrance or exit so that persons can pass through only on foot one by one

More from Merriam-Webster on turnstile

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!