turndown

1 of 3

noun

turn·​down ˈtərn-ˌdau̇n 

1

: something turned down

also : an instance of turning something (such as a bed sheet) down

hotel turndown service

2

: rejection

3

: downturn

turndown

2 of 3

adjective

turn·​down ˈtərn-ˈdau̇n 

: capable of being turned down

especially : worn turned down

a turndown collar

turn down

3 of 3

verb

turned down; turning down; turns down

transitive verb

1

: to reduce the height or intensity of by turning a control

turn down the radio

2

: to fold or double down

turn down the sheets

3

: to decline to accept : reject

turned down the offer

4

: to turn (a card) face downward

intransitive verb

: to be capable of being folded or doubled down

the collar turns down

Synonyms of turndown

Noun

• refusal
• rejection
• denial

Verb

• refuse
• reject
• decline
• pass up

Examples of turndown in a Sentence

Noun

the request to use the restroom was just a formality—I really didn't expect a turndown

Verb

I'm afraid that I will have to turn down your invitation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

At the world’s top hotel properties, turndown gifts, in-room amenities, and departure presents have become an intentional part of the guest experience. — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Though turndown guardrails can still be found, most now begin and end with the rectangles of steel known as terminal ends. — Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

Adjective

The full look consisted of black suede with a turndown collar emblazoned with hematite studs, fused with Who Decides War’s signature distressing and motif of chapel windows set ablaze in a matching set. — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 1 Feb. 2026

Rooms come with a yoga mat and foam roller, and nightly turndown service is inspired by Ozark folklore, with small tokens like red string, wildflower seeds, or stones left as mementos. — Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 9 Dec. 2025

Verb

But shortly after the Edinburgh screening, Tuttle revealed the film had been turned down by every major festival it had been submitted to because of its subject matter. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026

The Anti-Noise League, founded in 1933, led efforts literally to turn down the volume of everyday life. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1763, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1533, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Rhymes for turndown

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown

Kids Definition

turn down

verb

1

: to fold back or down

2

: to lower by turning a control

turn down the heat

3

: reject entry 1 sense 1

turned down the job