turnip

noun

tur·​nip ˈtər-nəp 

1

a

: either of two biennial herbs of the mustard family with thick edible roots:

(1)

: one (Brassica rapa var. rapa) with globular often flattened roots and leaves that are cooked as a vegetable

(2)

: rutabaga

b

: the root of a turnip

2

: a large pocket watch

Examples of turnip in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Cooler weather and light frost can improve flavor for crops like spinach and turnips. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 17 Sep. 2026

Whisk heavy cream into skillet until smooth; stir in black-eyed peas, turnip greens, and reserved sausage. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2026

The recipe may also include garlic, parsnips, turnips or leeks and herbs like thyme, rosemary or bay leaves. — Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2026

Carrots, beets, lettuces, spinach, turnips and chard can all be good fits outdoors. — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

tur-, perhaps from turn entry 1 (in the sense "shape into a rounded form by means of a lathe") + nip, reduced form of neep

Note: The word is first attested in the plural turnepez in a list of root vegetables appended to a collection of recipes (MS. British Library Sloane 1201; see Alicia Amherst, A History of Gardening in England, 3rd edition, New York, 1910, p. 68); the Middle English Dictionary dates it "about 1500." Compare parsnip.

First Known Use

1537, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

turnip

noun

tur·​nip ˈtər-nəp 

1

: either of two herbs related to cabbage with thick edible roots:

a

: one with usually white roundish roots and leaves that are cooked as a vegetable when young and tender

b

: rutabaga

2

: the root of a turnip