turnip

noun

tur·​nip ˈtər-nəp 

1

a

: either of two biennial herbs of the mustard family with thick edible roots:

(1)

: one (Brassica rapa rapifera) with globular often flattened roots and leaves that are cooked as a vegetable

(2)

: rutabaga

b

: the root of a turnip

2

: a large pocket watch

Examples of turnip in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Cook, partly covered, for 1 hour. Stir in the carrots, parsnips, turnips, barley, 1 teaspoon salt and remaining ½ teaspoon pepper. —Melissa Clark, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Nov. 2023

The South mainly grows turnips for their leaves, but other areas grow them for their roots. —Zoe Denenberg, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2023

Originally filled with turnip leaves in the early 13th century, modern ravioles du Dauphiné are as small as a thumb and usually filled with fresh herbs and Comté cheese. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2023

Most are surprisingly tasty and provide an excellent source of vitamin C. Turnip greens have a peppery turnip taste and can be used in place of kale or other root greens such as beet greens. —Treehugger Editors, Treehugger, 7 Sep. 2023

Parsnips, turnips, and rutabagas are all very earthy, sometimes bitter, and tend to be quite strong. —Christopher Michel, Country Living, 29 Aug. 2023

Step 2 To a large pot set over medium heat, add the oil, celery root, squash, carrots, zucchini, leeks, turnips, and fennel and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened slightly and are beginning to brown, about 15 minutes. —Saveur Editors, Saveur, 12 July 2023

Over the years, the café has developed a well-deserved reputation as the place to go in the Shoals for stick-to-your-ribs meals such as meatloaf, pot roast and fried chicken, as well as its turnip green soup, heirloom tomato pie and the café's signature dish, the pecan-chicken salad plate. —Bob Carlton | [e-mail], al, 13 July 2023

Sweet peas and baby turnips show up at the same time of year in Los Angeles farmers markets. —Ben Mims, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English turnepe, probably from turnen to turn + nepe neep; from the well-rounded root

First Known Use

1539, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

turnip

noun

tur·​nip ˈtər-nəp 

1

: either of two herbs related to cabbage with thick edible roots:

a

: one with usually white roundish roots and leaves that are cooked as a vegetable when young and tender

b

: rutabaga

2

: the root of a turnip