turnaround

1 of 2

noun

turn·​around ˈtərn-ə-ˌrau̇nd 

1

a

: the action of receiving, processing, and returning something

24-hour turnaround time on most orders

b

: the process of readying a transport vehicle for departure after its arrival

also : the time spent in this process

a quick turnaround between flights

2

a

: turnabout sense 1a

a corporate turnaround

b

: turnabout sense 1b

3

: a space permitting the turning around of a vehicle

4

: a jump shot by a player facing away from the basket who turns toward the basket while shooting

—often used attributively

a turnaround jumper

turn around

2 of 2

verb

turned around; turning around; turns around

intransitive verb

1

: to become changed for the better

2

: to act in an abrupt, different, or surprising manner

—used with and

after three years he just turned around and left school

transitive verb

: to change for the better

turned her life around

Synonyms of turnaround

Noun

• reversal

Examples of turnaround in a Sentence

Noun

The turnaround for most orders is 24 hours.

There is a 24-hour turnaround time on most orders.

a quick turnaround between flights

The team needs a big turnaround after their loss last week.

The company has achieved a remarkable turnaround in the past year.

The latest news has caused a turnaround in public opinion.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Behind Earl, who started at wide receiver and also played safety, North Chicago orchestrated a one-week turnaround for the ages, putting its 61-12 season-opening loss to Zion-Benton in the rearview mirror. — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026

Church & Dwight Analyst Anna Lizzul said in a recent note to clients that Church & Dwight management is pulling all the right levers in its turnaround. — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026

Verb

The pursuit ended at the Antelope truck scales, where video showed Kreuzer slowing the Volkswagen, turning around and stopping while faced the wrong direction on the interstate toward the pursuing deputies. — Daniel Hunt august 29, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Lee is hopeful the team will add another player or two or three before the transfer window closes next Wednesday, but Sporting KC is past the point of turning around its season. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Verb

1888, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for turnaround

• aboveground
• battleground
• belowground
• paperbound
• ultrasound
• underground
• wraparound
• abound
• aground
• around
• astound
• background

Kids Definition

turnaround

1 of 2 noun

turn·​around ˈtər-nə-ˌrau̇nd 

1

: turnabout

2

: the time needed for one complete cycle or round trip from start to destination and back

turn around

2 of 2 verb

1

: to act in a sudden, different, or surprising manner

he just turned around and left home

2

: to change for the better

turned her life around