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

Federal prosecutors said gang members took turns shooting at the victim after finding him behind his house. —CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026

During line rushes, Misa took turns with Ryan Reaves, skating on the fourth line with Zack Ostapchuk and Barclay Goodrow. —Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026

Tustin’s depth was on display as players took turns making an impact. —David Delgado, Oc Register, 7 Jan. 2026

Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach take turns transforming into floating marketplaces — docks converted to catwalks, hulls polished to reflective arrogance, sales reps who can quote fuel burn like yacht owners care about costs. —Eric Barton, Sun Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2026

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