turner

1 of 2

noun (1)

turn·​er ˈtər-nər 

: one that turns or is used for turning

a pancake turner

especially : a person who forms articles with a lathe

turner

2 of 2

noun (2)

tur·​ner ˈtər-nər  ˈtu̇r- 

: a member of a turnverein : gymnast

Synonyms of turner

Noun (2)

• gymnast

Examples of turner in a Sentence

Noun (2)

in the days before physical fitness became part of the mainstream, turners in athletic clubs were often regarded as social oddities

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Same goes for a durable spatula—from flipping burgers to shifting veggies over hot grates, a turner will take you far. — Francesca Krempa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026

Speaking with Entertainment Weekly in April, everyone’s favorite tile turner Vanna White compared her two cohosts. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026

But while the headline figure of peak speed is a head-turner, the more important goal is high sustained speed. — Andrew Rice, New York Times, 7 May 2026

An ambitious new supertall skyscraper is planned for New York City – and this one's a real head-turner. — Adam Williams april 21, New Atlas, 21 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

German, from turnen to perform gymnastic exercises, from Old High German turnēn to turn, from Medieval Latin tornare — more at turn

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1854, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing turner

• page-turner

Rhymes for turner

• burner
• earner
• learner
• sterner
• afterburner

Kids Definition

turner

noun

turn·​er

ˈtər-nər

: one that turns

especially : a kitchen tool for lifting and turning foods

Biographical Definition

Turner 1 of 4

biographical name (1)

Tur·​ner ˈtər-nər 

Frederick Jackson 1861–1932 American historian

Turner

2 of 4

biographical name (2)

J(oseph) M(allord) W(illiam) 1775–1851 English painter

Turner

3 of 4

biographical name (3)

Nat 1800–1831 enslaved American who led other enslaved Americans in a rebellion

Turner

4 of 4

biographical name (4)

Ted 1938–2026 Robert Edward Turner III American television executive