turnkey

1 of 2

adjective

turn·​key ˈtərn-ˌkē 

: built, supplied, or installed complete and ready to operate

a turnkey nuclear plant

a turnkey computer system

also : of or relating to a turnkey building or installation

a turnkey contract

turnkey vendors

turnkey

2 of 2

noun

plural turnkeys

: one who has charge of a prison's keys

Examples of turnkey in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Basically, Cleveland has a turnkey offense waiting for its 2027 quarterback, who, regrettably, is still in college. — Andy Behrens, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Varas expects interest from automotive enthusiasts as well as luxury real estate investors drawn to the turnkey nature of the homes and the opportunity to own one of six such residences in the country. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 12 Aug. 2026

Noun

The full-floor residence, furnished by Nicole Fuller Interiors, is available turnkey. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 10 Sep. 2026

The original Transcend location was essentially a turnkey operation in the same space where his previous brewery had been located, so much of the initial process just involved updating paperwork, permits and of course the fees. — Blaine Callahan, Hartford Courant, 7 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1860, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1622, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for turnkey

• agree
• allee
• banshee
• beastly
• bibi
• bowsprit
• carefree
• cerci
• chablis
• cowpea
• crappie
• crappy