turn

1 of 2

verb

turned; turning; turns

transitive verb

1
a
: to cause to move around an axis or a center : make rotate or revolve
turn a wheel
turn a crank
b(1)
: to cause to move around so as to effect a desired end (as of locking, opening, or shutting)
turned the knob till the door opened
(2)
: to affect or alter the functioning of (something, such as a mechanical device) or the level of (something, such as sound) by such movement
turn the oven to 400°
turn the music to full volume
c
: to execute or perform by rotating or revolving
turn handsprings
d
: to twist out of line or shape : wrench
had turned his ankle
2
a(1)
: to cause to change position by moving through an arc of a circle
turned her chair to the fire
(2)
: to cause to move around a center so as to show another side of
turn the page
(3)
: to cause (a scale) to move so as to register weight
b
: to revolve mentally : think over : ponder
3
a
: to reverse the sides or surfaces of : invert
turn pancakes
turn the shirt inside out
: such as
(1)
: to dig or plow so as to bring the lower soil to the surface
turn the compost weekly
(2)
: to make (a garment) over by reversing the material and resewing
turn a collar
(3)
: to invert (something, such as a character, rule, or slug) feet up and face down in setting type
b
: to reverse or upset the order or disposition of
everything was turned topsy-turvy
c
: to disturb or upset the mental balance of
a mind turned by grief
d
: to set in another especially contrary direction
4
a
: to bend or change the course of : divert
a battle that turned the tide of history
b
: to bend a course around or about : round
turned the corner at full speed
c
: to cause to retreat
used fire hoses to turn the mob
d
: to alter the drift, tendency, or expected result of
5
a(1)
: to direct or point (something, such as the face) in a specified way or direction
(2)
: to present by a change in direction or position
turning his back to his guests
b
: to direct (something, such as the attention or mind) toward or away from something
c
: to direct the employment of : apply, devote
turned his skills to the service of humankind
d(1)
: to cause to rebound or recoil
turns their argument against them
(2)
: to make antagonistic : prejudice
turn a child against its mother
e(1)
: to cause to go in a particular direction
turned our steps homeward
(2)
: drive, send
turn cows to pasture
turning hunters off his land
(3)
: to convey or direct out of an inverted receptacle
turn the mixture into a baking dish
f
: to bring to bear (as by aiming, pointing, or focusing) : train
turned the light into the dark doorway
turned a questioning eye toward her
6
a(1)
: to make acid or sour
(2)
: to change the color of (foliage)
b(1)
: convert, transform
turn defeat into victory
c
: to cause to become of a specified nature or appearance
turned him into a frog
embarrassment turned her face red
d
: to exchange for something else
turn coins into paper money
e
: to cause to defect to another side
7
a
: to shape especially in a rounded form by applying a cutting tool while revolving in a lathe
b
: to give a rounded form to by any means
turn the heel of a sock
c
: to shape or mold artistically, gracefully, or neatly
a well turned phrase
8
: to make a fold, bend, or curve in:
a
: to form by bending
turn a lead pipe
b
: to cause (the edge of a blade) to bend back or over : blunt, dull
9
a
: to gain in the course of business
turning a quick profit
b
: to keep (money, goods, etc.) moving
specifically : to dispose of (a stock) to make room for another
c
: to make use of
turned her education to advantage
d
: to carry to completion : pull off
turned a double play
turn a deal
10
: to engage in (an act of prostitution)
turn tricks

intransitive verb

1
a
: to move around on an axis or through an arc of a circle : rotate
b(1)
: to become focused on something specified
the conversation turned to baseball
(2)
: to have as a decisive factor : hinge
the argument turns on a point of logic
the outcome of the game turned on an interception
(3)
: to have a center (as of interest) in something specified
the discussion turned on the overall worth of the project
c
: to become giddy or dizzy : spin
heights always made his head turn
2
a
: to direct one's course
b(1)
: to reverse a course or direction
the tide has turned
(2)
: to have a reactive usually adverse effect
c
: to take a different course or direction
turned toward home
the main road turns sharply to the right
3
a
: to change position (as of one's head) so as to face another way
everyone turned to stare
b
: to face toward or away from someone or something
flowers turn toward the light
c
: to change one's attitude or reverse one's course of action to one of opposition or hostility
felt the world had turned against him
d
: to make a sudden violent assault especially without evident cause
dogs turning on their owners
4
a
: to direct one's attention to or away from someone or something
b
: to have recourse : refer, resort
turned to a friend for help
turned to his notes for the exact figures
c
: to direct one's efforts or activity : devote or apply oneself
turned to the study of the law
turned to a life of crime
d(1)
: to change one's religion
(2)
: to go over to another side or party : defect
5
a
: to become changed, altered, or transformed
the weather turned
: such as
(1)
: to change color
the leaves have turned
(2)
: to become sour, rancid, or tainted
the milk had turned
(3)
: to be variable or inconstant
(4)
: to become mentally unbalanced : become deranged
(5)
archaic : to become different
b(1)
: to pass from one state to another : change
water had turned to ice
(2)
: become, grow
his hair had turned gray
the weather turned bad
just turned twenty
(3)
: to become someone or something specified by change from another state : change into
turn pro
doctors turned authors
(4)
: to change by the passage of time
days turned into weeks and months
6
: to become curved or bent (as from pressure)
especially : to become blunted by bending
the edge of the knife had turned
7
: to operate a lathe
8
of merchandise : to be stocked and disposed of : change hands
turnable adjective

turn

2 of 2

noun

plural turns
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
: such 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
: a place at which something turns, turns off, or turns back : bend, curve
d
: 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
e
: a change effected by turning over to another side
a turn of the cards
3
: an act or deed affecting another especially when incidental or unexpected
one good turn deserves another
4
a
: 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
see also take turns
b
: a period of action or activity : go, spell
took a turn at the piano
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
5
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
6
a
: a fashioning of language or arrangement of words : manner of expression
skillful turns of phrase
b
: distinctive quality or character
c
: the shape or mold in which something is fashioned : cast
7
: a short trip out and back or round about
took a turn through the park
8
: something that revolves around a center: such 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
9
: a special purpose or requirement
used chiefly in the phrase serve one's turn
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
15
: something turned or to be turned: such as
a
: a character or slug inverted in setting type
b
: a piece of type placed bottom up
Phrases
turn a blind eye
: to refuse to see : be oblivious
might turn a blind eye to the use of violenceArthur Krock
turn a deaf ear
: to refuse to listen
turn a hair
: to give a sign of distress or disturbance
did not turn a hair when told of the savage murderThe Times Literary Supplement (London)
turn color
1
: to become of a different color
2
a
b
: to grow pale
turn heads
: to attract favorable attention
the car's sleek design is bound to turn heads
turn loose
1
a
: to set free
turned loose the captured animal
b
: to free from all restraints
turned them loose with a pile of theme paper to write whatever they likedElizabeth P. Schafer
2
: to fire off : discharge
3
: to open fire
turn one's back on
1
: reject, deny
would be turning one's back on historyPius Walsh
2
: forsake
turned his back on his obligations
turn one's hand or turn a hand
: to set to work : apply oneself
turn one's head
: to cause to become infatuated or conceited
success had not turned his head
turn one's stomach
: to disgust completely : nauseate
the foul smell turned his stomach
turn tail
: to turn away so as to flee
turn the other cheek
: to respond to injury or unkindness with patience : forgo retaliation
turn the tables
: to bring about a reversal of the relative conditions or fortunes of two contending parties
turn the trick
: to bring about the desired result or effect
turn turtle 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 in a Sentence

Verb He turned the key and opened the door. She slowly turned the doorknob. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left. Someone turned the switch and the lights came on. They turned and walked away. She turned to leave—but stopped. He turned aside to let me pass. The patient turned onto his side. The photographer asked her to turn slightly to her left. He turned himself around to see the back of his shirt in the mirror. Noun You have to wait your turn in line. Is it my turn yet? Give the wheel another turn. He tightened the screw with one last turn. With a turn of the switch, the lights came back on. Take a left-hand turn at the next intersection. a quick turn of her head
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
The police department has turned the case over to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, according to a news release. Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2024 One thing the administration and Hamas agree on is the desire for a temporary, six-week truce to turn into a permanent ceasefire without a resumption in the fighting. Alex Marquardt, CNN, 7 Mar. 2024 Maria Sharapova managed to turn some heads away from all the models at Paris Fashion Week. Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 Top-tier performers were offered millions of dollars to perform for Netflix cameras, turning the comedy landscape into a seller’s market and helping to make comedians such as Ali Wong household names. Addie Morfoot, Variety, 7 Mar. 2024 Gordon will turn 71 next month, and she’s made one of the most daring albums of her career. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2024 Whitesell was aware the relationship between Bezos and Sánchez had turned romantic. Alexia Fernández, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 Lloyd Austin’s recent gullibility about Hamas casualty figures lays bare the terrorist group’s goal: to use lies and propaganda to turn the world against Israel. Danielle Pletka, National Review, 6 Mar. 2024 Because of its historic designation, the building is eligible for multiple tax abatements, incentives and grants that could help a new owner continue the effort to turn it into an income-producing commercial building. Randy Tucker, The Enquirer, 24 Feb. 2024
Noun
In turn, mm2 will gain access to a global talent pool. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Mar. 2024 Our internal clock is better aligned with getting light in the morning, which, in turn, sets us up for better sleep cycles. Diba Mohtasham, NPR, 8 Mar. 2024 Oak View Group, in turn, contracts with Communiplex, a marketing company owned by Steve Reece Sr., to help book events. Scott Wartman, The Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2024 So, to have one of the more fearful moments career-wise turn into one of the best moments ever of my career is really magical. Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 7 Mar. 2024 The 22-year-old’s warm tone and emotive belting earned her a swift four-chair turn from the coaches. USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2024 The phthalates can in turn get into the bloodstream and travel into the placenta, which may cause negative outcomes for both the fetus and the pregnant person.1 The idea that phthalates can cause harm isn’t new. Anna Halkidis, Parents, 6 Mar. 2024 At every turn, eateries are dubbed the crown jewel or the hidden gem of a city. Detroit Free Press, 6 Mar. 2024 In turn, that has a dampening impact on economic growth. Simon Constable, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English; partly from Old English tyrnan & turnian to turn, from Medieval Latin tornare, from Latin, to turn on a lathe, from tornus lathe, from Greek tornos; partly from Anglo-French turner, tourner to turn, from Medieval Latin tornare; akin to Latin terere to rub — more at throw entry 1

Noun

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

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of turn was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near turn

Cite this Entry

“Turn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turn. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

turn

1 of 2 verb
1
a
: to move or cause to move around an axis or center : rotate, revolve
wheels turning slowly
turn a crank
b
: to bring about a desired end by using a control
turned the volume down
c
: to do by revolving
turn handsprings
d
: to twist out of line or shape : wrench
turn an ankle
2
a
: to change in position usually by moving through an arc of a circle
they turned and walked away
turn the page
turn a pancake
b
: to examine as if by turning over : think about
turned the problem over in her mind
3
: to make over (as a garment) by reversing the material and sewing back together
turn a collar
4
a
: to upset the order of
everything was turned topsy-turvy
b
: to set in another and especially opposite direction
5
a
: to change course or direction
the road turns to the left
turning to a different subject
b
: to go around
turn a corner
6
: to direct toward or away from something
we turned toward home
7
: to seek out as a source of something
turn to a friend for help
8
a
: to change or cause to change
water turned to ice
the witch turned the prince into a frog
b
: to cause to spoil : sour
the milk had turned
c
: to change in color
leaves turning in the fall
d
: to pass from one state to another : become
hair turned gray
had just turned fourteen
9
10
: to give a rounded form to (as on a lathe)

turn

2 of 2 noun
1
: the action or an act of turning about a center
2
a
: a change or changing of direction, course, or position
a left turn
the turn of the tide
b
: a place where something turns
at the turn of the road
c
: a change or changing of general state or condition
took a turn for the better
a turn in the weather
3
: a short walk or ride
took a turn through the park
4
: an act affecting another
one good turn deserves another
5
a
: a period of action or activity : spell
a turn as guard
b
: proper place in a waiting line or time in a schedule
wait your turn
6
: a special purpose
that will serve the turn
7
a
: special quality
a neat turn of phrase
b
: the shape or form in which something is molded : cast
an odd turn of mind
8
: a single circle or loop (as of rope passed around an object)
9
: natural or special skill
a turn for languages

Medical Definition

turn

transitive verb
: to injure by twisting or wrenching
turned his ankle

Legal Definition

turn

intransitive verb
: to have a specified decisive factor
used with on
the first of the cases…turned on first amendment issuesK. A. Cohen

More from Merriam-Webster on turn

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