turn

²turn

noun

Definition of TURN

1

a : the action or an act of turning about a center or axis : revolution, rotation b : any of various rotating or pivoting movements in dancing or gymnastics

2

a : the action or an act of giving or taking a different direction : change of course or posture <an illegal left turn>: as (1) : a drill maneuver in which troops in mass formation change direction without preserving alignment (2) : any of various shifts of direction in skiing (3) : an interruption of a curve in figure skating b : deflection, deviation c : the action or an act of turning so as to face in the opposite direction : reversal of posture or course <an about turn> <the turn of the tide> d : a change effected by turning over to another side <a turn of the cards> e : a place at which something turns, turns off, or turns back : bend, curve

3

: a short trip out and back or round about <took a turn through the park>

4

: an act or deed affecting another especially when incidental or unexpected <one good turn deserves another>

5

a : a period of action or activity : go, spell <took a turn at the piano> b : a place, time, or opportunity accorded an individual or unit of a series in simple succession or in a scheduled order <waiting her turn in line> c : a period or tour of duty : shift d : a short act or piece (as for a variety show); also : public appearance : performance <makes frequent guest star turns> e (1) : an event in any gambling game after which bets are settled (2) : the order of the last three cards in faro —used in the phrase call the turn

6

: something that revolves around a center: as a (1) : lathe (2) : a catch or latch for a cupboard or cabinet door operated by turning a handle b : a musical ornament consisting of a group of four or more notes that wind about the principal note by including the notes next above and next below

7

: a special purpose or requirement —used chiefly in the phrase serve one's turn

8

a : an act of changing : alteration, modification <a nasty turn in the weather> b : a change in tendency, trend, or drift <hoped for a turn in his luck> <a turn for the better> <an unexpected turn of events> c : the beginning of a new period of time : the time when one period changes to the next <the turn of the century>

9

a : distinctive quality or character b : a fashioning of language or arrangement of words : manner of expression <skillful turns of phrase> c : the shape or mold in which something is fashioned : cast

10

a : the state or manner of being coiled or twisted b : a single round (as of rope passed about an object or of wire wound on a core)

11

: natural or special ability or aptitude : bent, inclination <a turn for logic> <an optimistic turn of mind>

12

: a special twist, construction, or interpretation <gave the old yarn a new turn>

13

a : a disordering spell or attack (as of illness, faintness, or dizziness) b : a nervous start or shock <snuck up on her and gave her quite a turn>

14

a : a complete transaction involving a purchase and sale of securities; also : a profit from such a transaction b : turnover 7b

15

: something turned or to be turned: as a : a character or slug inverted in setting type b : a piece of type placed bottom up

— at every turn

: on every occasion : continually <they opposed her at every turn>

— by turns

1

: one after another in regular succession

2

: variously, alternately <a book that is by turns pedantic, delightful, and infuriating>

— in turn

: in due order of succession

— on the turn

: at the point of turning <tide is on the turn>

— out of turn

1

: not in due order of succession <play out of turn>

2

: at a wrong time or place and usually imprudently <talking out of turn>

— to a turn

: to perfection

Examples of TURN

1. You have to wait your turn in line.
2. Is it my turn yet?
3. Give the wheel another turn.
4. He tightened the screw with one last turn.
5. With a turn of the switch, the lights came back on.
6. Take a left-hand turn at the next intersection.
7. a quick turn of her head

Origin of TURN

Middle English; partly from Anglo-French tur, tourn turning, circuit (from turner to turn); partly from Middle English turnen to turn

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to TURN

Synonyms: amble, constitutional, perambulation, ramble, range, saunter, stroll, walk, wander

Related Words: parade, paseo, promenade; expedition, hike, march, peregrination, traipse, tramp, travel, traversal, traverse, trek, trip, walkabout; excursion, jaunt, junket, outing, sally, sashay, spin, tour; pilgrimage, progress, safari

Near Antonyms: hindrance, hurdle, impediment, interference, obstacle

see all synonyms and antonyms

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