turn

verb

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\ ˈtərn

turned; turning; turns

Definition of turn

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to cause to move around an axis or a center : make rotate or revolve turn a wheel turn a crank

b(1) : to cause to move around so as to effect a desired end (as of locking, opening, or shutting) turned the knob till the door opened

(2) : to affect or alter the functioning of (something, such as a mechanical device) or the level of (something, such as sound) by such movement turn the oven to 400° turn the music to full volume

c : to execute or perform by rotating or revolving turn handsprings

d : to twist out of line or shape : wrench had turned his ankle

2a(1) : to cause to change position by moving through an arc of a circle turned her chair to the fire

(2) : to cause to move around a center so as to show another side of turn the page

(3) : to cause (a scale) to move so as to register weight

b : to revolve mentally : think over : ponder

3a : to reverse the sides or surfaces of : invert turn pancakes turn the shirt inside out : such as

(1) : to dig or plow so as to bring the lower soil to the surface turn the compost weekly

(2) : to make (a garment) over by reversing the material and resewing turn a collar

(3) : to invert (something, such as a character, rule, or slug) feet up and face down in setting type

b : to reverse or upset the order or disposition of everything was turned topsy-turvy

c : to disturb or upset the mental balance of : derange, unsettle a mind turned by grief

d : to set in another especially contrary direction

4a : to bend or change the course of : divert a battle that turned the tide of history

b : to bend a course around or about : round turned the corner at full speed

c : to cause to retreat used fire hoses to turn the mob

d : to alter the drift, tendency, or expected result of

5a(1) : to direct or point (something, such as the face) in a specified way or direction

(2) : to present by a change in direction or position turning his back to his guests

b : to direct (something, such as the attention or mind) toward or away from something

c : to direct the employment of : apply, devote turned his skills to the service of humankind

d(1) : to cause to rebound or recoil turns their argument against them

(2) : to make antagonistic : prejudice turn a child against its mother

e(1) : to cause to go in a particular direction turned our steps homeward

(2) : drive, send turn cows to pasture turning hunters off his land

(3) : to convey or direct out of an inverted receptacle turn the mixture into a baking dish

f : to bring to bear (as by aiming, pointing, or focusing) : train turned the light into the dark doorway turned a questioning eye toward her

6a(1) : to make acid or sour

(2) : to change the color of (foliage)

b(1) : convert, transform turn defeat into victory

(2) : translate, paraphrase

c : to cause to become of a specified nature or appearance turned him into a frog embarrassment turned her face red

d : to exchange for something else turn coins into paper money

e : to cause to defect to another side

7a : to shape especially in a rounded form by applying a cutting tool while revolving in a lathe

b : to give a rounded form to by any means turn the heel of a sock

c : to shape or mold artistically, gracefully, or neatly a well turned phrase

8 : to make a fold, bend, or curve in:

a : to form by bending turn a lead pipe

b : to cause (the edge of a blade) to bend back or over : blunt, dull

9a : to gain in the course of business turning a quick profit

b : to keep (money, goods, etc.) moving specifically : to dispose of (a stock) to make room for another

c : to make use of turned her education to advantage

d : to carry to completion : pull off turned a double play turn a deal

10 : to engage in (an act of prostitution) turn tricks

intransitive verb

1a : to move around on an axis or through an arc of a circle : rotate

b(1) : to become focused on something specified the conversation turned to baseball

(2) : to have as a decisive factor : hinge the argument turns on a point of logic the outcome of the game turned on an interception

(3) : to have a center (as of interest) in something specified the discussion turned on the overall worth of the project

c : to become giddy or dizzy : spin heights always made his head turn

2a : to direct one's course

b(1) : to reverse a course or direction the tide has turned

(2) : to have a reactive usually adverse effect

c : to take a different course or direction turned toward home the main road turns sharply to the right

3a : to change position (as of one's head) so as to face another way everyone turned to stare

b : to face toward or away from someone or something flowers turn toward the light

c : to change one's attitude or reverse one's course of action to one of opposition or hostility felt the world had turned against him

d : to make a sudden violent assault especially without evident cause dogs turning on their owners

4a : to direct one's attention to or away from someone or something

b : to have recourse : refer, resort turned to a friend for help turned to his notes for the exact figures

c : to direct one's efforts or activity : devote or apply oneself turned to the study of the law turned to a life of crime

d(1) : to change one's religion

(2) : to go over to another side or party : defect

5a : to become changed, altered, or transformed the weather turned : such as

(1) : to change color the leaves have turned

(2) : to become sour, rancid, or tainted the milk had turned

(3) : to be variable or inconstant

(4) : to become mentally unbalanced : become deranged

(5) archaic : to become different

b(1) : to pass from one state to another : change water had turned to ice

(2) : become, grow his hair had turned gray the weather turned bad just turned twenty

(3) : to become someone or something specified by change from another state : change into turn pro doctors turned authors

(4) : to change by the passage of time days turned into weeks and months

6 : to become curved or bent (as from pressure) especially : to become blunted by bending the edge of the knife had turned

7 : to operate a lathe

8 of merchandise : to be stocked and disposed of : change hands

: to refuse to see : be oblivious might turn a blind eye to the use of violence— Arthur Krock

turn a deaf ear

: to refuse to listen

turn a hair

: to give a sign of distress or disturbance did not turn a hair when told of the savage murder — The Times Literary Supplement (London)

turn color

1 : to become of a different color

2a : blush, flush

b : to grow pale

turn heads

: to attract favorable attention the car's sleek design is bound to turn heads

turn loose

1a : to set free turned loose the captured animal

b : to free from all restraints turned them loose with a pile of theme paper to write whatever they liked— Elizabeth P. Schafer

2 : to fire off : discharge

3 : to open fire

turn one's back on

1 : reject, deny would be turning one's back on history— Pius Walsh

2 : forsake turned his back on his obligations

turn one's hand or turn a hand

: to set to work : apply oneself

turn one's head

: to cause to become infatuated or conceited success had not turned his head

turn one's stomach

: to disgust completely : nauseate the foul smell turned his stomach

turn tail

: to turn away so as to flee

turn the other cheek

: to respond to injury or unkindness with patience : forgo retaliation

turn the tables

: to bring about a reversal of the relative conditions or fortunes of two contending parties

turn the trick

: to bring about the desired result or effect

turn turtle

: capsize, overturn

turn

noun

plural turns

Definition of turn (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : the action or an act of turning about a center or axis : revolution, rotation

b : any of various rotating or pivoting movements in dancing or gymnastics

2a : the action or an act of giving or taking a different direction : change of course or posture an illegal left turn : such as

(1) : a drill maneuver in which troops in mass formation change direction without preserving alignment

(2) : any of various shifts of direction in skiing

(3) : an interruption of a curve in figure skating

b : a place at which something turns, turns off, or turns back : bend, curve

c : deflection, deviation

d : the action or an act of turning so as to face in the opposite direction : reversal of posture or course an about turn the turn of the tide

e : a change effected by turning over to another side a turn of the cards

3 : an act or deed affecting another especially when incidental or unexpected one good turn deserves another

4a : a place, time, or opportunity accorded an individual or unit of a series in simple succession or in a scheduled order waiting her turn in line — see also take turns

b : a period of action or activity : go, spell took a turn at the piano

c : a period or tour of duty : shift

d : a short act or piece (as for a variety show) also : public appearance : performance makes frequent guest star turns

e(1) : an event in any gambling game after which bets are settled

(2) : the order of the last three cards in faro —used in the phrase call the turn

5a : an act of changing : alteration, modification a nasty turn in the weather

b : a change in tendency, trend, or drift hoped for a turn in his luck a turn for the better an unexpected turn of events

c : the beginning of a new period of time : the time when one period changes to the next the turn of the century

6a : a fashioning of language or arrangement of words : manner of expression skillful turns of phrase

b : distinctive quality or character

c : the shape or mold in which something is fashioned : cast

7 : a short trip out and back or round about took a turn through the park

8 : something that revolves around a center: such as

a(1) : lathe

(2) : a catch or latch for a cupboard or cabinet door operated by turning a handle

b : a musical ornament consisting of a group of four or more notes that wind about the principal note by including the notes next above and next below

9 : a special purpose or requirement —used chiefly in the phrase serve one's turn

10a : the state or manner of being coiled or twisted

b : a single round (as of rope passed about an object or of wire wound on a core)

11 : natural or special ability or aptitude : bent, inclination a turn for logic an optimistic turn of mind

12 : a special twist, construction, or interpretation gave the old yarn a new turn

13a : a disordering spell or attack (as of illness, faintness, or dizziness)

b : a nervous start or shock snuck up on her and gave her quite a turn

14a : a complete transaction involving a purchase and sale of securities also : a profit from such a transaction

b : turnover sense 1a

15 : something turned or to be turned: such as

a : a character or slug inverted in setting type

b : a piece of type placed bottom up

at every turn

: on every occasion : continually they opposed her at every turn

by turns

1 : one after another in regular succession

2 : variously, alternately a book that is by turns pedantic, delightful, and infuriating

in turn

: in due order of succession

on the turn

: at the point of turning tide is on the turn

out of turn

1 : not in due order of succession play out of turn

2 : at a wrong time or place and usually imprudently talking out of turn

to a turn

: to perfection

Other Words from turn Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing turn Learn More About turn

Examples of turn in a Sentence

Verb He turned the key and opened the door. She slowly turned the doorknob. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left. Someone turned the switch and the lights came on. They turned and walked away. She turned to leave—but stopped. He turned aside to let me pass. The patient turned onto his side. The photographer asked her to turn slightly to her left. He turned himself around to see the back of his shirt in the mirror. Noun You have to wait your turn in line. Is it my turn yet? Give the wheel another turn. He tightened the screw with one last turn. With a turn of the switch, the lights came back on. Take a left-hand turn at the next intersection. a quick turn of her head See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Cook, stirring often, until onions are softened and beginning to turn golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. — People Staff, PEOPLE.com, 1 Aug. 2022 But many have struggled to turn a profit after burning cash to build storage and delivery networks and offering heavy subsidies. — Raffaele Huang, WSJ, 1 Aug. 2022 The Universe is bringing you a metaphorical on switch to turn your life upside down in the best way possible. — Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2022 And with that one mistake in a 2-2 game, one of Baltimore’s best relievers was forced to turn and watch Cincinnati’s game-winning home run fly over the left field fence at Great American Ball Park. — Andy Kostka, Baltimore Sun, 31 July 2022 Analysts say China could place sanctions on the U.S. lawmaker, test missiles, or in the most provocative scenario, scramble fighters to try to turn her aircraft around. — Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2022 In a statement that day, Vega did not explain the comments, instead trying to turn the tables on Spanberger. — Meagan Flynn, Washington Post, 29 July 2022 The three parks are shelters for those who have nowhere else to turn. — Caleb Stultz, The Courier-Journal, 29 July 2022 Let the suburbanites who have to turn an ignition key to mail a letter or buy a box of Kleenex get their exercise from home workout routines. — Richard Brookhiser, National Review, 28 July 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Memphis, which did not appear on Asher's list, has also taken a turn for the better after ranking fourth for the most murders per capita in 2020. — Audrey Conklin, Fox News, 2 Aug. 2022 Touted rookie George Kirby appears likely to be displaced, but Dipoto said the goal is to be creative to keep Kirby on a regular turn and contributing. — Tim Booth, ajc, 30 July 2022 Hopefully Lynch is on her way to a long overdue babyface turn. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 30 July 2022 Beyond the adult Erin, nicely played by Wong in a more dramatic turn, their adult allies include Larry (Nate Corddry), while being pursued by a ruthless representative of the rival faction (Adina Porter). — Brian Lowry, CNN, 29 July 2022 But Jake McCarthy took off from first, read the play quickly, made a perfect turn at second and got in easily to third. — Theo Mackie, The Arizona Republic, 29 July 2022 Now 79, Horn’s career has taken yet another turn as Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has named him as a consultant at the company. — Kim Masters, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 July 2022 This casting marked a major career turn for Loughlin after she was previously written off the series. — Kelly Wynne, PEOPLE.com, 25 July 2022 The car pulled over but then made a sudden turn toward the shoulder of the road and stopped. — cleveland, 22 July 2022 See More

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

History and Etymology for turn

Verb

Middle English; partly from Old English tyrnan & turnian to turn, from Medieval Latin tornare, from Latin, to turn on a lathe, from tornus lathe, from Greek tornos; partly from Anglo-French turner, tourner to turn, from Medieval Latin tornare; akin to Latin terere to rub — more at throw entry 1

Noun

Middle English; partly from Anglo-French tur, tourn turning, circuit (from turner to turn); partly from Middle English turnen to turn

Learn More About turn

Dictionary Entries Near turn

turmoiler

turn

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Last Updated

3 Aug 2022

Cite this Entry

“Turn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turn. Accessed 7 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for turn

turn

verb

\ ˈtərn

turned; turning

Kids Definition of turn

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : to change in position usually by moving through an arc of a circle They turned and walked away. Turn the pancakes over.

2 : to change course or direction The road turns to the left.

3 : to move or direct toward or away from something We turned toward home.

4 : to become or cause to become a certain way The weather turned leaves red.

5 : change entry 1 sense 1, transform turn lead into gold

6 : to move or cause to move around a center : rotate The earth turns on its axis.

7 : to twist so as to bring about a desired end Turn the key to unlock the door.

8 : to go around We turned the corner.

9 : to reach or pass beyond Soon she will turn ten.

10 : to become or make very unfriendly We were friends until she turned on me.

11 : to pass from one state to another : become The weather turned cold.

12 : execute sense 2, perform turn somersaults

13 : to set in another and especially an opposite direction It's difficult to turn the car on such a narrow street.

14 : wrench entry 1 sense 2 turn an ankle

15 : upset entry 1 sense 2 His behavior turns my stomach.

16 : to make an appeal He turned to a friend for help.

17 : to make or become spoiled The milk turned.

18 : translate sense 1

19 : to give a rounded form to (as on a lathe)

turn down

1 : to lower by using a control Turn down the heat.

2 : refuse entry 1 sense 1, reject I turned down the offer.

3 : to fold back or under Turn down the sheets.

turn off

1 : to stop by using a control Remember to turn off the alarm.

2 : to change direction They turned off onto another road.

turn on

: to make work by using a control Turn on the light.

turn out

1 : to prove to be The noise turned out to be from mice.

2 : to turn off

turn over

: to give control or responsibility of to someone

turn tail

: to turn so as to run away

turn up

1 : to be found or happen unexpectedly Don't worry, the key will turn up.

2 : to raise by or as if by using a control Turn up the volume.

3 : arrive sense 1

turn

noun

Kids Definition of turn (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : the act of moving about a center Give the crank another turn.

2 : a change or changing of direction, course, or position Make a left turn.

3 : a place at which something changes direction a turn in the road

4 : a period of action or activity : spell I had my turn as guard.

5 : proper place in a waiting line or time in a schedule Take your turn.

6 : a change or changing of the general state or condition Business took a turn for the better.

7 : an act affecting another Do a friend a good turn.

8 : a short walk or ride They took a turn through the park.

9 : a special purpose or need That will serve the turn.

10 : special quality a nice turn of phrase

11 : the beginning of a new period of time the turn of the century

12 : a single circle or loop (as of rope passed around an object)

13 : natural or special skill She has a turn for writing.

at every turn

: all the time : constantly, continuously She has managed to succeed at every turn.

by turns

: one after another

in turn

: one after the other in order

to a turn

: precisely right The turkey was cooked to a turn.

turn

transitive verb

\ ˈtərn

Medical Definition of turn

: to injure by twisting or wrenching turned his ankle

turn

intransitive verb

Legal Definition of turn

: to have a specified decisive factor —used with on the first of the cases…turned on first amendment issues— K. A. Cohen

Often used to describe “the march of time,” what does inexorable mean?

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turn

Definition of turn

Other Words from turn

Synonyms for turn

Examples of turn in a Sentence

First Known Use of turn

History and Etymology for turn

Learn More About turn

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Kids Definition of turn

Medical Definition of turn

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WORD OF THE DAY

eminently

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turn

Definition of turn

Other Words from turn

Synonyms for turn

Examples of turn in a Sentence

Phrases Containing turn

First Known Use of turn

History and Etymology for turn

Learn More About turn

The first known use of turn was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near turn

Statistics for turn

Kids Definition of turn

Medical Definition of turn

Legal Definition of turn

WORD OF THE DAY

eminently

Test Your Vocabulary