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 past 18 months, a number of services have been launched to make licensing even more turnkey, streamlined, and efficient. — Vivek Shah, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2026

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

Noun

For families coming from out-of-state, turnkey dorm decorating can help relieve stress. — Stephanie Ganz, Parents, 24 Sep. 2026

Many of the antique fixtures and furniture are bundled into the asking price, creating a turnkey venture for new owners. — Richard Lane, Des Moines Register, 21 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