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

In the age of fast-track renovations and turnkey new builds, taking five years to finish a house might sound like a design cautionary tale. —Leonora Epstein, Architectural Digest, 27 Feb. 2026

Smart-home automation, underfloor heating, and reversible air conditioning reflect the growing expectation that high-end Riviera homes arrive fully turnkey. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2026

Noun

The platform is designed as a turnkey solution for cinema operators looking to drive off-peak attendance without major capital investment. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 Mar. 2026

The ranch is being sold as a fully turnkey operation, according to the property’s website, ready for new owners with furniture, equipment and game animals. —Neal Franklin, Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 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