turnkey

adjective turn·key \ ˈtərn-ˌkē \

|Updated on: 15 Jun 2018

Definition of turnkey

: 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

See turnkey defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of turnkey from the Web

The house is in pristine, turnkey condition, and bears the owners' commitment and dedication to equal measures of exercise and relaxation for a new family to enjoy.

— joan walden, courant.com, "Property of the Week: 3 Erica Lane, West Simsbury," 20 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'turnkey.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of turnkey

1927

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Other Job Terms

factotum, milliner, ostler, scrivener, tinker, webster, wordsmith

turnkey

noun

Definition of turnkey

plural turnkeys

: one who has charge of a prison's keys

Recent Examples of turnkey from the Web

RoofTec, a 24 year-old turnkey roofing company moved quickly to replace Curette’s entire roof.

— Houston Chronicle, "HomeAid answers call for help with BuildAid Initiative," 3 June 2018
Interorbital’s ideal scenario would eliminate permanent launch facilities altogether in favor of portable, turnkey hardware capable of getting objects—and people—into space on short notice.

— geoff manaugh, The Atlantic, "Los Angeles, America’s Future Spaceport," 17 May 2018
But this new version of Android is designed to be a turnkey system for automakers.

— kirsten korosec, Fortune, "Volvo Is Giving Google Assistant a Central Role in Its Next-Generation Cars," 7 May 2018
The turnkey nature of the home proved ideal for Figg and Waugh, who enjoy traveling and nightlife, and appreciated the renovations the home had seen since its relocation.

— lisa van loo, azcentral, "Historic apartment house relocated, renovated into home in Roosevelt Historic District," 3 May 2018
From family, all-seasons homes to quiet cabin retreats, townhomes and turnkey dwellings, this luxury, gated golf community delivers a cool, elevated lifestyle.

— joan westlake, azcentral, "Elevated choices in Pine Canyon luxury golf community," 27 Apr. 2018
The Borgardts and Schinker passed the turnkey kitchen over to Nathan Heck, whose menu of burgers and barbecue, along with ramen chili and chicken wings seasoned with hops thrown in, is designed to go with beer.

— kathy flanigan, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Eagle Park opens its new east side brewery, with plenty of beer and room to spread out," 24 Apr. 2018
Read more: Solution: Choose TIA over turnkey When possible, opt for a tenant improvement allowance.

— adam felson, Detroit Free Press, "Here's how to avoid creating a crummy office space," 16 Mar. 2018
The turnkey apartment has been gutted and is fitted with all new appliances and finishes.

— danielle fox, ELLE Decor, "Ira Glass Is Selling His Chelsea Apartment For $1,750,000," 16 Nov. 2017

First Known Use of turnkey

1647

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Other Business Terms

amortize, caveat emptor, clearinghouse, divest, due diligence, emolument, green-collar, marque, overhead, perquisite

TURNKEY Defined for English Language Learners

turnkey

adjective

Definition of turnkey for English Language Learners

: complete and ready to be used

Learn More about turnkey

See words that rhyme with turnkey Britannica English: Translation of turnkey for Arabic speakers

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turnkey

Definition of turnkey

Recent Examples of turnkey from the Web

First Known Use of turnkey

Other Job Terms

turnkey

Definition of turnkey

Recent Examples of turnkey from the Web

First Known Use of turnkey

Other Business Terms

TURNKEY Defined for English Language Learners

turnkey

Definition of turnkey for English Language Learners

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Recent Examples of turnkey from the Web

First Known Use of turnkey

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turnkey

Definition of turnkey

Recent Examples of turnkey from the Web

First Known Use of turnkey

Other Business Terms

TURNKEY Defined for English Language Learners

turnkey

Definition of turnkey for English Language Learners

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