star turn

noun

1
a
: a performance, role, or appearance (as in a movie or television show) that is done by a star or well-known personality
… we might see a Best Actress nod for Jane Horrock's nuanced portrayal in Life Is Sweet instead of Bette Midler's star turn in For the BoysPeter Travers
Slater … delivers a surprisingly effective performance in this otherwise muddled thriller made before his attention-grabbing star turn in Heathers.Ed Hulse
… she would surely dump the bother of serving as Alaska's besieged governor for a lucrative star turn on Fox News.Frank Rich
b
: an outstanding performance or prominent role in or contribution to something
The fresh, soft, white Italian cheese called mascarpone is most famous for its star turn in tiramisu …Jane Daniels Lear
The football gods would return the favor early in the fourth quarter on a strangely similar play that bounced Indy's way, with center Jeff Saturday getting the star turn.Michael Silver
2
chiefly British : the featured skit or number in a theatrical production
also : the most outstanding or prominent person or thing in a group
The star turn of a recent lunch in the plant-filled conservatory was a Goan curry—chunks of succulent chicken breast in a sauce the color of pesto, made with green chilies and coriander. R. W. Apple, Jr.

Example Sentences

She was nominated for an Oscar for her star turn as a single mother raising three children alone. She was the star turn in yesterday's game.
Recent Examples on the Web Melanie Lynskey as Kathleen Coghlan Melanie Lynskey has a star turn as Kathleen Coghlan, a leader of a brutal revolutionary regime based in Kansas City. Jessica Sager, Peoplemag, 24 Feb. 2023 But the greatest star turn of all comes from Cardi B. Debby Wolfinsohn, EW.com, 10 Feb. 2023 Kore-eda Hirokazu will be the star turn at Emerging Japanese Films, a Los Angeles showcase organized by Japan’s Visual Industry Promotion Organization. Patrick Frater, Variety, 1 Sep. 2022 Since her star turn as Rudy Huxtable, Pulliam has thrived as a director, producer and entrepreneur with Keshia's Kitchen Collection, her line of seasonings and spices. Allison Mcclain Merrill, Peoplemag, 15 Feb. 2023 Skrabak took a star turn in the opening-weekend victories over Kentucky and Ohio, with the libero earning Big East defensive player of the week. Ben Steele, Journal Sentinel, 1 Sep. 2022 The lowly mushroom is having a star turn across publishing, fashion, Hollywood and Instagram. Jeffrey A. Trachtenberg, WSJ, 29 Aug. 2022 The popular mild fish takes a star turn in Horseradish-Crusted Cod With Carrots, Parsnips and Mustard-Dill Drizzle as well. Baked Tofu With Peanut Sauce and Bok Choy. Becky Krystal, Washington Post, 27 Aug. 2022 The year marked a star turn for the Golden State Warriors guard, who became an NBA champion when the Warriors defeated the Celtics for the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Jr Radcliffe, Journal Sentinel, 28 Dec. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'star turn.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of star turn was in 1885

Dictionary Entries Near star turn

Cite this Entry

“Star turn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/star%20turn. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

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