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

Noun (2)

• acrobat
• 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

However, a recent report from Oxford Economics is drawing attention to the fact that some college graduates are having a harder time finding work than previous generations of tassel turners. —Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 6 June 2025

The turner runs the length of the 50-foot room, keeping the grains from clumping. —Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 29 Apr. 2025

This adorable silicon whisk, spatula, brush, turner, and spoonula (spoon-spatula) come in spring colors like pastel purple, pastel green, and cream as a small, but playful, nod to April. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2025

And every script that Brotherhood wrote was a real page turner. —Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 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