turner

1 of 2

noun (1)

turn·​er ˈtər-nər How to pronounce turner (audio)
Synonyms of turnernext
: one that turns or is used for turning
a pancake turner
especially : a person who forms articles with a lathe

turner

2 of 2

noun (2)

: a member of a turnverein : gymnast

Synonyms of turner

Examples of turner in a Sentence

Noun (2) in the days before physical fitness became part of the mainstream, turners in athletic clubs were often regarded as social oddities
Recent Examples on the Web
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
An ambitious new supertall skyscraper is planned for New York City – and this one's a real head-turner. Adam Williams april 21, New Atlas, 21 Apr. 2026 All-Clad's 5-piece set includes a ladle, a solid spoon, a slotted spoon, a turner, and a storage caddy, all crafted from heavy-gauge stainless steel with ergonomic handles long enough to reach into deep pots. Jamie Thilman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Apr. 2026 Hers is a dark, dark mind that weaves deceptively simple tales into terrifying psychological page turners like The Housemaid. E.l. James, Time, 15 Apr. 2026 Dharod was credited with dreaming up a head-turner that made headlines. Sarah Blaskovich, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for turner

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

German, from turnen to perform gymnastic exercises, from Old High German turnēn to turn, from Medieval Latin tornare — more at turn

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of turner was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Turner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turner. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

turner

noun
turn·​er
ˈtər-nər
: one that turns
especially : a kitchen tool for lifting and turning foods

Biographical Definition

Turner 1 of 4

biographical name (1)

Tur·​ner ˈtər-nər How to pronounce Turner (audio)
Frederick Jackson 1861–1932 American historian

Turner

2 of 4

biographical name (2)

J(oseph) M(allord) W(illiam) 1775–1851 English painter

Turner

3 of 4

biographical name (3)

Nat 1800–1831 enslaved American who led other enslaved Americans in a rebellion

Turner

4 of 4

biographical name (4)

Ted 1938–     Robert Edward Turner III American television executive
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