turret

noun

tur·​ret ˈtər-ət 

ˈtə-rət,

ˈtu̇r-ət 

1

: a little tower

specifically : an ornamental structure at an angle of a larger structure

2

a(1)

: a revolving armored structure on a warship that protects one or more guns mounted within it

(2)

: a similar upper structure usually for one gun on a tank

(3)

: a gunner's fixed or movable enclosure in an airplane

b

: a tall building usually moved on wheels and formerly used for carrying soldiers and equipment for breaching or scaling a wall

3

a

: a pivoted and revolvable holder in a machine tool

b

: a device (as on a microscope or a television camera) holding several lenses

Examples of turret in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

During every storm, a sunspot had revolved into position near the apparent center of the solar surface, like the turret of a battleship lining up its target. —Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025

The unmanned turret is operated using an advanced fire control system. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025

The mini show started with a witch flying from the Matterhorn and casting a spell on the castle that triggered a climbing vine lighting effect that reached the top turret. —Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025

The iconic theater, with its elaborate ornamentation, arcades, balconies and turrets, was built in the Spanish Baroque style. —Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 8 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English touret, from Anglo-French turette, tourette, diminutive of tur, tour tower — more at tower

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for turret

• urate

Kids Definition

turret

noun

tur·​ret ˈtər-ət  ˈtə-rət 

tu̇r-ət

1

: a little tower often at a corner of a building

2

: a low usually rotating structure (as in a tank, warship, or airplane) in which guns are mounted