turban

noun tur·ban \ ˈtər-bən \

|Updated on: 14 Jun 2018

Definition of turban

1 : a headdress worn chiefly in countries of the eastern Mediterranean and southern Asia consisting of a long cloth that is wrapped around a cap (as by Muslims) or directly around the head (as by Sikhs and Hindus)

2 : a headdress resembling a turban; specifically : a woman's close-fitting hat without a brim

3 : a rolled stuffed fillet of fish

turban of sole

—

turbaned

or turbanned play \ˈtər-bənd\ adjective

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Recent Examples of turban from the Web

Today not only marks Coldstream Guardsman Charanpreet Singh Lall’s first Trooping the Colour, but also the very first time a member of the guards has marched in a turban at the event that marks the Queen’s official birthday.

— lyndsey matthews, Harper's BAZAAR, "A Sikh Guardsman Just Became the First to March in a Turban at the Trooping the Colour," 9 June 2018
Pardeep, wearing a black turban, entered the temple’s sanctuary through a doorway bearing what has become too common a feature of American architecture: A bullet hole.

— crocker stephenson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Better Angels: On the eve of the school shooting in Texas, a prayer at the Sikh temple in Oak Creek," 20 May 2018
Massage any of these into wet hair, wrap it all up turban-style in an old towel for 20 minutes, and rinse well.

— jean nick, Good Housekeeping, "How To Make Your Own Shampoo With Ingredients You Have In Your Kitchen," 31 July 2017
In the Sikh religion men are required to wear the turban.

— CBS News, ""Frustrated" Canadian minister asked to take off turban at Detroit airport," 11 May 2018
Men were crammed inside, wearing turbans and military fatigues.

— jonathan gopep, dionne searcey and emmanuel akinwotu, New York Times, "Boko Haram’s Seizure of 110 Girls Taunts Nigeria, and Its Leader," 18 Mar. 2018
The turban was once only worn by nobility in India.

— vic ryckaert, Indianapolis Star, "Sikh leaders say they are embarrassed by Greenwood temple fight," 16 Apr. 2018
In 1954, Audrey Hepburn wore the same style earring off-duty (see above!) and in Sabrina when her character returned—a new woman–from a life-changing trip to Paris, showing them off with a cutting-edge pixie cut and a turban-style head wrap.

— lauren valenti, Marie Claire, "You Can Steal These Earrings from Marilyn Monroe—for $18," 9 June 2015
Parker had on a turquoise turban and a gold Alta Moda dress.

— junot díaz, The New Yorker, "Sarah Jessica Parker Helps Dolce & Gabbana Bring Luxe to the Library," 17 Apr. 2018

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

Illustration of turban

Origin and Etymology of turban

Middle French turbant, from Italian turbante, from Turkish tülbent, from Persian dulband

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1588

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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TURBAN Defined for English Language Learners

turban

noun

Definition of turban for English Language Learners

: a head covering that is worn especially by men in some parts of the Middle East and in southern Asia and that is made of a long cloth wrapped around the head