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
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
turned around; turning around; turns around
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
: to change for the better
turned her life around
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
Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2026
The travel accessories and gear that stood out to me were the ones that consistently made travel easier— whether that meant getting better sleep at 30,000 feet, packing smarter to prepare for tight turnarounds, or staying comfortable through airport marathons and long-haul stretches alike.
—Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 13 Jan. 2026
Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2026
Practice restraint by knowing when to turn around, even after investing significant time and effort.
—Outside, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for turnaround
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
His turnaround 14-footer with 39 seconds left gave them the lead for good Tuesday, and Gordon put the finishing touches on a 122-116 win over the Pelicans by getting a stop against Trey Murphy III and cutting for a dunk at the other end.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2026
The travel accessories and gear that stood out to me were the ones that consistently made travel easier— whether that meant getting better sleep at 30,000 feet, packing smarter to prepare for tight turnarounds, or staying comfortable through airport marathons and long-haul stretches alike.
—Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
After shooting Holmes several times, Taylor allegedly stepped away and then turned around and fired more shots into the victim, who was on the ground, according to the affidavit.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2026
Practice restraint by knowing when to turn around, even after investing significant time and effort.
—Outside, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for turnaround
Cite this Entry
“Turnaround.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turnaround. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
turnaround
1 of 2 noun
turn·around
ˈtər-nə-ˌrau̇nd
1
2
: the time needed for one complete cycle or round trip from start to destination and back
turn around
2 of 2 verb1
: 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
