turning

noun

turn·​ing ˈtər-niŋ How to pronounce turning (audio)
1
: the act or course of one that turns
2
: a place of a change in direction
3
a
: a forming by use of a lathe
broadly : turnery
b
turnings plural : waste produced in turning

Examples of turning in a Sentence

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.
One thing is for sure: There’s no turning back the digital clock. Juan Font, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025 The Cubs are at the crossroads, and there’s no turning back. Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025 In late July, in the middle of a heat wave that made turning on the stove feel impossible, Kathryn Steinberg was hosting eight friends for dinner. Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 12 Aug. 2025 In addition to correctly layering green and brown organic matter, periodic turning of compost is necessary to get air to the microorganisms. Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for turning

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of turning was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Turning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turning. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

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