take turns

idiomatic phrase

variants also British take it in turns

: to do something one after another in regular succession in order to share the responsibility or opportunity of doing it : alternate

We take turns washing the dishes.

Almost immediately, Rick and Diane begin videotaping their classroom lessons, letting their students take turns with the cameras.

—Ann Bradley

Several youths were around the phone, taking it in turns to gossip and joke with the operator.

—Christopher Isherwood

Examples of take turns in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

All three offensive units took turns trying to move the ball from their own 1-yard line. —Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 29 July 2025

The cast also took turns sharing special stories from their time in the show, which ranged from silly off-stage antics to tearful anecdotes. —Raven Brunner, People.com, 25 July 2025

This was a party match with every team taking turns getting their stuff in. —Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025

Instead of taking turns or competing for time, users can log their own sessions, try challenges, and track progress individually. —Connie Etemadi, AZCentral.com, 17 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for take turns

• holofernes
• overturns
• subalterns
• adjourns
• concerns
• discerns
• downturns
• internes
• nocturnes
• returns
• sideburns
• churns