turner

1 of 2

noun (1)

turn·​er ˈtər-nər 

: one that turns or is used for turning

a pancake turner

especially : a person who forms articles with a lathe

turner

2 of 2

noun (2)

tur·​ner ˈtər-nər  ˈtu̇r- 

: a member of a turnverein : gymnast

Synonyms of turner

Noun (2)

• gymnast

Examples of turner in a Sentence

Noun (2)

in the days before physical fitness became part of the mainstream, turners in athletic clubs were often regarded as social oddities

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Launched in 2006, the 288-foot head turner has won over 18 awards for its innovative design, which includes 2,400 square meters of sails that unfurl in just six minutes and a three-deck atrium with sunlight. —Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 20 Jan. 2026

Three wooden cooking tools (a wooden spoon, a slotted spoon, and a turner) are also included. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 15 Jan. 2026

While Grande's ethereal dress was nothing short of a dream, her new hair was the real head-turner. —Tessa Petak, InStyle, 4 Jan. 2026

Fry 3 minutes on each side, or until brown; turn carefully using 2 wide pancake turners. —Faye Levy, Oc Register, 3 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

German, from turnen to perform gymnastic exercises, from Old High German turnēn to turn, from Medieval Latin tornare — more at turn

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1854, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing turner

• page-turner

Rhymes for turner

• burner
• earner
• learner
• sterner
• afterburner

Kids Definition

turner

noun

turn·​er

ˈtər-nər

: one that turns

especially : a kitchen tool for lifting and turning foods

Biographical Definition

Turner 1 of 4

biographical name (1)

Tur·​ner ˈtər-nər 

Frederick Jackson 1861–1932 American historian

Turner

2 of 4

biographical name (2)

J(oseph) M(allord) W(illiam) 1775–1851 English painter

Turner

3 of 4

biographical name (3)

Nat 1800–1831 enslaved American who led other enslaved Americans in a rebellion

Turner

4 of 4

biographical name (4)

Ted 1938–     Robert Edward Turner III American television executive