turban

noun

tur·​ban ˈtər-bən 

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

ˈtər-bənd 

adjective

or turbanned

Illustration of turban

• turban 1

Examples of turban in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s a passenger with a bright-green buzz cut (in sharp contrast with that same orange), one with a platinum wig, a baby-blue turban, a sparkly hijab, a graduation cap, a fez, very big headphones. —E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 10 May 2025

In a political lineup, Mr. Singh, who became the New Democrats’ leader in 2017, stands out, wearing a turban on his head and tucking a kirpan, or ceremonial knife, into his suit, reflecting his Sikh faith. —Vjosa Isai, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025

In a portrait that is emblematic of her art, Gottfried photographed a circus entertainer dressed in a top hat and white tie, accompanied by his two canine partners, also formally attired, the large Doberman pinscher in a white tie and a turban, the miniature pinscher with a frilly collar. —Arthur Lubow, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025

The Arabian Knight has a flying carpet and a turban, as if a stripper service sent you Beefcake Prince of Persia. —Darren Franich, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for turban

• interurban
• suburban

Kids Definition

turban

noun

tur·​ban ˈtər-bən 

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

turbaned adjective

or turbanned

-bənd