turban

noun

tur·​ban ˈtər-bən 

1

: a headdress worn chiefly in countries of the eastern Mediterranean and southern Asia consisting of a long cloth that is wrapped around a cap (as by Muslims) or directly around the head (as by Sikhs and Hindus)

2

: a headdress resembling a turban

specifically : a woman's close-fitting hat without a brim

3

: a rolled stuffed fillet of fish

turban of sole

turbaned

ˈtər-bənd 

adjective

or turbanned

Illustration of turban

• turban 1

Examples of turban in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The post-Shah state was a mishmash of neckties and turbans, with Bazargan as Prime Minister and Khomeini hovering somewhere above. —Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025

Yet the courts that uphold the rights of Sikhs to keep their long hair, beards and turbans while serving in the military and the right for parents to opt their kids out of certain classes or curriculum materials also rule against Native religious rights far more often than for them. —Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 13 July 2025

After the suit was filed, Suffolk County revised its policy to allow religious coverings — such as hijabs, yarmulkes and turbans — to be worn during booking photos and while in custody, unless exceptional circumstances apply, according to Fahmy’s lawyers. —Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 12 July 2025

The blue headpiece closely resembled the traditional Sikh turban, prompting backlash from Sikh communities in India and elsewhere. —Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 24 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French turbant, from Italian turbante, from Turkish tülbent, from Persian dulband

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for turban

• interurban
• suburban

Kids Definition

turban

noun

tur·​ban ˈtər-bən 

1

: a head covering worn especially by Muslims and made of a long cloth wrapped around the head or around a cap

2

: a woman's small soft hat with no brim

turbaned adjective

or turbanned

-bənd