turn

verb \ ˈtərn \

Updated on: 21 Apr 2018

Definition of turn

transitive verb

1 a : 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

2 a (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

3 a : 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

4 a : 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

5 a (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

6 a (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

7 a : 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

9 a : 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

1 a : 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

2 a : 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

3 a : 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

4 a : 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

5 a : 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

—

turnable

play \ˈtər-nə-bəl\ adjective

— turn a blind eye

: 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

2 a : blush, flush

b : to grow pale

— turn heads

: to attract favorable attention

the car's sleek design is bound to turn heads

— turn loose

1 a : 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

See turn defined for English-language learners

See turn defined for kids

Examples of turn in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples of turn from the Web

Kubrick, a doctor’s son from the Bronx who got his start as a photographer for Look, was turning forty that year, and his rise in Hollywood had left him hungry to make extravagant films on his own terms.

— junot díaz, The New Yorker, "“2001: A Space Odyssey”: What It Means, and How It Was Made," 17 Apr. 2018
Cover and cook, turning fish once, until fish flakes easily, 4 to 5 minutes.

— leah eskin, charlotteobserver, "Secret to faster Jamaican fish stew: Canned coconut milk | Charlotte Observer," 17 Apr. 2018
Also, the Pentagon is negotiating the repatriation from Guantánamo of a Saudi man who pleaded guilty to being an al-Qaida terrorist and then turned prosecution informant.

— carol rosenberg, miamiherald, "Guantánamo installs former USS Nimitz commander as 18th prison boss in stealth ceremony | Miami Herald," 17 Apr. 2018
The head-turning Hellcat Widebody's massive surplus of torque is endlessly fun and satisfying, but don't ever let your guard down.

— jeff yip, Houston Chronicle, "Demon Jr.: Challenger Hellcat Widebody's bigger tires pay big track dividends," 16 Apr. 2018
CNBC FANG Split Some fund managers are turning their backs on Facebook, leading to a split in the generally lumped-together FANG (Facebook, Amazon, Netflix and Google/Alphabet) group.

— alan murray, Fortune, "Sorrell Out, Shire Slims, Data Monopolies: CEO Daily for April 16, 2018," 16 Apr. 2018
After being charged, Chansky turned himself in and was released on a signature bond following an appearance in Lake County Bond Court.

— jim newton, Lake County News-Sun, "Battery charge dropped against Lake County Sheriff's corrections officer," 16 Apr. 2018
Bryant’s sideline outbursts also can turn some people off.

— jeff zrebiec, baltimoresun.com, "The Ravens have interest in WR Dez Bryant, but is the feeling mutual?," 16 Apr. 2018
An unofficial weekend visit to California turned into football commitments for Peoria Liberty linebacker Ryan Puskas and defensive Braxten Croteau on Sunday.

— richard obert, azcentral, "Liberty's Ryan Puskas, Braxten Croteau commit to Cal during visit," 16 Apr. 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of turn

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 ¹throw

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

See Words from the same year

turn Synonyms

Synonyms

chew over, cogitate, consider, contemplate, debate, deliberate, entertain, eye, kick around, meditate, mull (over), perpend, ponder, pore (over), question, revolve, ruminate, study, think (about or over), weigh, wrestle (with);

Near Antonyms

disregard, ignore, overlook, slight;

dismiss, pooh-pooh (also pooh), reject;

analyze, explore, review;

conclude, reason;

second-guess, speculate (about);

brood (about or over), dwell (on or upon), fixate (on or upon), fret (about or over), obsess (about or over);

believe, conceive, opine;

absorb, assimilate, digest, drink (in);

Phrases

beat one's brains out (about), chew on, cudgel one's brains (about), look at;

turn

noun

Definition of turn

1 a : 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

2 a : 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

4 a : 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

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

5 a : 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

6 a : 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

10 a : 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

13 a : 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

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

b : turnover 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

See turn defined for English-language learners

Examples of turn in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of turn from the Web

The updated number highlights the growth of the company’s subscription service, which Amazon has pushed heavily over the years as a way to retain customers that in turn fuel its core retail business with each purchase.

— jonathan vanian, Fortune, "Amazon Has Over 100 Million Prime Members," 19 Apr. 2018
That, in turn, would have forced the bakery to charge more for doughnuts than customers would have been willing to pay.

— contributing writer, NOLA.com, "They wanted to build a better po-boy. So they called this guy.," 18 Apr. 2018
Prosecutors say that once Dance was chosen to become superintendent in Baltimore County, SUPES officials began asking for work and, in turn, giving him jobs training educators.

— liz bowie, baltimoresun.com, "Former Baltimore County schools Superintendent Dallas Dance asks for probation instead of jail time," 18 Apr. 2018
That, in turn, has increased demand for social service jobs, educators, construction workers and other middle-wage jobs.

— mike rogoway, OregonLive.com, "Oregon jobless rate remains at historic low for 15th straight month," 17 Apr. 2018
Since 1989, their membership has grown to over 125 people who donate their time, energy, resources and caring all year round to support the Andover Public Library which in turn benefits the whole community.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Hebron Edition," 17 Apr. 2018
With a $250 down payment just out of high school, the Scott brothers bought and flipped their first house and have, in turn, created a real estate empire.

— susannah hutcheson, USA TODAY, "Drew Scott of 'Property Brothers': How I became a house flipper and entrepreneur," 17 Apr. 2018
After spotting the discrepancies, Gee’s lender notified the used car dealer, who in turn asked her to return the car, prosecutors said.

— zak koeske, Daily Southtown, "Ex-Robbins cop pleads guilty in loan fraud case; agrees never to work in law enforcement again," 17 Apr. 2018
The Skyrider does not, however, allow for much room between rows, and in turn, no room for stowing baggage under the seats.

— michael bartiromo, Fox News, "New upright airplane 'seats' would allow for 'ultra-high density' flights, manufacturer says," 17 Apr. 2018

Origin and Etymology of turn

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

turn Synonyms

Synonyms

affection, affinity, aptitude, bent, bias, bone, devices, disposition, genius, habitude, impulse, inclination, leaning, partiality, penchant, predilection, predisposition, proclivity, propensity, tendency;

Near Antonyms

allergy, averseness, aversion, disfavor, disinclination, dislike, disliking, disrelish, distaste;

detachment, impartiality, neutrality, objectivity;

apathy, disinterestedness, indifference, insouciance, nonchalance, unconcern;

endowment, faculty, flair, genius, gift, knack, talent;

addiction, appetite, fancy, fondness, like, liking, preference, taste;

forte, speciality, specialty;

convention, custom, habit, pattern, practice (also practise), routine, trick, way, wont;

eccentricity, idiosyncrasy, kink, oddity, peculiarity, quirk, singularity;

TURN Defined for English Language Learners

turn

verb

Definition of turn for English Language Learners

: to move around a central point
: to cause your body or a part of your body to face a different direction
: to cause (something or a side of something) to face an opposite or different direction

turn

noun

Definition of turn for English Language Learners

: an opportunity or responsibility to do or use something before or after other people
: an act of turning something around a central point
: an act of changing the direction that someone or something is facing or moving in

TURN Defined for Kids

turn

verb \ ˈtərn \

Definition of turn for Students

turned; turning

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 : ¹change 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 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 : ¹wrench 2

turn an ankle

15 : ¹upset 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 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 : ¹refuse 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 1

turn

noun

Definition of turn for Students

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.

Medical Dictionary

turn

transitive verb \ ˈtərn \

medical Definition of turn

: to injure by twisting or wrenching

turned his ankle

Law Dictionary

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

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turn

Definition of turn

turnable

Examples of turn in a Sentence

Recent Examples of turn from the Web

Origin and Etymology of turn

turn Synonyms

Synonyms

Near Antonyms

Related Words

Phrases

turn

Definition of turn

Examples of turn in a Sentence

Recent Examples of turn from the Web

Origin and Etymology of turn

turn Synonyms

Synonyms

Near Antonyms

Related Words

TURN Defined for English Language Learners

turn

Definition of turn for English Language Learners

turn

Definition of turn for English Language Learners

TURN Defined for Kids

turn

Definition of turn for Students

turn

Definition of turn for Students

Medical Dictionary

turn

medical Definition of turn

Law Dictionary

turn

legal Definition of turn

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