turban

noun tur·ban \ ˈtər-bən \

Updated on: 20 Apr 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 \-bənd\ adjective

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Recent Examples of turban from the Web

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
Lily Collins went for old world glamour in a turban, channeling Cartier clients past like Glorias Swanson and Guinness, but kept it modern in an ultra-leggy mini-dress.

— tony bravo, San Francisco Chronicle, "VIPs and ‘socials’ descend on SF for Cartier’s Bold and Fearless party," 6 Apr. 2018
An elderly villager in a white turban breaks forward, begging the justice to punish them.

— The Economist, "Pakistan’s top court is eager to take on any brief," 28 Mar. 2018
The recent use of Sikh turbans in the Gucci fall/winter 2018 show created a polarized response.

— sarah moroz, The Cut, "Meet the Artist Behind Sikh Ladies in Sick Fashion," 21 Mar. 2018
Count Olaf’s disguises are also even better in season two, and include a gym coach wearing a tracksuit and turban (major Professor Quirrell of Harry Potter vibes) and a Karl Lagerfeld–type foreign auctioneer called Günther.

— michaela bechler, Vogue, "A Series of Unfortunate Events," 29 Mar. 2018
The Afghan man with the long beard, white turban, and worn farmer’s hands led his wife, draped all in a flowing dark blue burka, into a small office booth in Kabul.

— scott peterson, The Christian Science Monitor, "The ICRC's precious gift to Afghan families: contact with jailed loved-ones," 29 Mar. 2018
The mood is decidedly more subdued in late winter, but, a few weeks ago, a man wearing a black turban and a necklace of wooden beads went in search of a light and found a tall blond woman lounging on a bench outside.

— neima jahromi, The New Yorker, "Reggae and Romance at Lovers Rock," 23 Mar. 2018
In the end, the Sikh turban became yet another accessory in the show.

— sarah moroz, The Cut, "Meet the Artist Behind Sikh Ladies in Sick Fashion," 21 Mar. 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

TURBAN Defined for Kids

turban

noun tur·ban \ ˈtər-bən \

Definition of turban for Students

1 : a head covering worn especially by Muslims and made of a long cloth wrapped around the head or around a cap

2 : a woman's small soft hat with no brim

Learn More about turban

See words that rhyme with turban Spanish Central: Translation of turban Nglish: Translation of turban for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of turban for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about turban

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turban

Definition of turban

turbaned

Recent Examples of turban from the Web

Illustration of turban

Origin and Etymology of turban

TURBAN Defined for English Language Learners

turban

Definition of turban for English Language Learners

TURBAN Defined for Kids

turban

Definition of turban for Students

Learn More about turban

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turban

Definition of turban

turbaned

Recent Examples of turban from the Web

Illustration of turban

Origin and Etymology of turban

TURBAN Defined for English Language Learners

turban

Definition of turban for English Language Learners

TURBAN Defined for Kids

turban

Definition of turban for Students

Learn More about turban

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