turnkey

1 of 2

adjective

turn·​key ˈtərn-ˌkē How to pronounce turnkey (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Plus, Supertramp already has the US$495K Megatron for those buyers who want to go straight to a turnkey top-of-line rig without sinking time into picking and choosing their own add-ons. New Atlas, 4 June 2026 The Anthropic venture offers PE sponsors a turnkey alternative to hiring Big Three consultants at what is likely to be a fraction of the cost. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 4 May 2026
Noun
Business leaders can prepare for additional expenses without passing the cost on to customers by adding turnkey revenue streams. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 Buzz Tourer 4Motion will have the advantage of being a turnkey factory camper as opposed to a van someone else has to upfit with conversion equipment. New Atlas, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for turnkey

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1860, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1622, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of turnkey was in 1622

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Cite this Entry

“Turnkey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turnkey. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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