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

… she commands every scene. Hers is a true, potent star turn.

—Tom Gliatto

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.

Examples of star turn in a Sentence

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

The Rookie creator Alexi Hawley, who co-wrote the episode with Brynn Malone, spoke to Deadline about Seth’s return, Krumholtz’s creepy murderer, and how The Rookie‘s popularity with young viewers helped get the Numb3rs and Oppenheimer star for the guest star turn. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 20 Jan. 2026

Galifianakis is best known for his online talk show, Between Two Ferns, and star turns in The Hangover trilogy, The Campaign, Dinner for Schmucks and a recurring role on season four of Only Murders in the Building. —Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 19 Jan. 2026

Peyton Watson’s temporary star turn for the Nuggets has officially captured national attention. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 12 Jan. 2026

Heather tries to restore some balance by pivoting the conversation to compliment Britani instead, which naturally brings up her star turn in the 2012 ABC Family original movie The Mistle-Tones, alongside Tia Mowry and Tori Spelling. —Tom Smyth, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for star turn

• adjourn
• concern
• decern
• discern
• downturn
• extern
• heartburn
• interne
• nocturne
• return
• sunburn
• unworn