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

The tandem has taken turns serving as the Hornets’ main scoring threats during the absences of Ball and Miller. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 18 Nov. 2025

Throughout the weekend, chefs take turns crafting signature dishes for guests seated trackside with views of the race and the Fountains of Bellagio. —Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 16 Nov. 2025

As good parents, Hetfield, Hammett, Trujillo and drummer Lars Ulrich stayed on stage well after the last chord rung out, to share gifts of drumsticks, guitar picks and take turns in thanking the fans. —Lars Brandle, Billboard, 13 Nov. 2025

Glenn Close and her daughter Annie Starke took turns portraying Joan Castleman in 2017's The Wife. —Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 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