1
: a place where one turns off
especially
: exit sense 4
2
: one that causes loss of interest or enthusiasm
the music was a turnoff
3
: a turning off
turned off; turning off; turns off
1
: to stop the flow of or shut off by or as if by turning a control
turn the water off
2
: to cause to lose interest : bore
economics turns me off
also
: to evoke a negative feeling in
5
6
7
a
: to remove (material) by the process of turning
b
: to shape or produce by turning
1
: to deviate from a straight course or from a main road
turn off into a side road
3
: to lose interest : withdraw
Synonyms
Examples of turnoff in a Sentence
Noun
His strong cologne was a real turnoff.
Verb
that memorably bad meal turned me off about restaurant food for a while
turn off at the third exit and follow the ramp to your left
Recent Examples on the Web
Abe Streep, Scientific American, 10 Nov. 2023
It should also be noted that this is the most expensive to date with an SRP of $450, which will be enticing to some and a turnoff for others.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2023
But his affinity for all things mathematical was a turnoff.
—Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2023
This is just past the turnoff for Granite Basin Recreation Area.
—Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, 2 Sep. 2023
Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody: While the crossbody option was nice, the straps were uncomfortable and the fabric tore easily—two turnoffs, especially considering the price.
—Chris Abell, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2023
The meandering road is flanked by trees undergoing seasonal shifts and includes several turnoffs with scenic overlooks.
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2023
Rock star weddings were considered bad business at the time, a turnoff to young female fans — the Beatles' John Lennon was among those who hedged when reporters asked him about his domestic life.
—Hillel Italie, BostonGlobe.com, 19 Dec. 2022
Higher prices could be a turnoff for visitors, as well.
—Danielle Wiener-Bronner, CNN, 19 Sep. 2023
Donna Kim, Bon Appétit, 24 Nov. 2023
Pessimism was also pronounced among young voters, who said in interviews that they were turned off by both parties.
—Nick Corasaniti, New York Times, 24 Nov. 2023
The soccer ball will light up when kicked or bounced, and the lights will turn off when unused.
—Maya Polton, Parents, 21 Nov. 2023
The water- and wind-resistant shell helps keep the scarf dry in light rain or snow, while 3M insulation traps the heat generated to keep you cozy even when the heating elements are turned off.
—Jen Ator, Travel + Leisure, 19 Nov. 2023
Workers are also demanding that Starbucks turn off mobile ordering on future promotion days.
—Amelia Lucas, NBC News, 16 Nov. 2023
The problem is what juices up the M/R voters also turn off the I/M/S voters.
—Noah Rothman, National Review, 8 Nov. 2023
But the phone was turned off and was unable to be located.
—Keith L. Alexander, Washington Post, 11 Nov. 2023
Residents of Livingston, which is located several miles north of Shepherd, are being asked to shelter in place and turn off air conditioning systems until further notice, according to Livingston police.
—Mark Osborne, ABC News, 8 Nov. 2023
See More
Noun
Near Bingham a turnoff heads back to the south, past signs advertising Trinitite—the eerie green glasslike rock that the Trinity test created when the reaction melted the sand.
—Abe Streep, Scientific American, 10 Nov. 2023
It should also be noted that this is the most expensive to date with an SRP of $450, which will be enticing to some and a turnoff for others.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2023
But his affinity for all things mathematical was a turnoff.
—Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2023
This is just past the turnoff for Granite Basin Recreation Area.
—Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, 2 Sep. 2023
Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody: While the crossbody option was nice, the straps were uncomfortable and the fabric tore easily—two turnoffs, especially considering the price.
—Chris Abell, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2023
The meandering road is flanked by trees undergoing seasonal shifts and includes several turnoffs with scenic overlooks.
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2023
Rock star weddings were considered bad business at the time, a turnoff to young female fans — the Beatles' John Lennon was among those who hedged when reporters asked him about his domestic life.
—Hillel Italie, BostonGlobe.com, 19 Dec. 2022
Higher prices could be a turnoff for visitors, as well.
—Danielle Wiener-Bronner, CNN, 19 Sep. 2023
Verb
Beyond aesthetics, the microwave incorporates an eco-mode: a thoughtful energy-saving feature that automatically turns off the display when not in use.
—Donna Kim, Bon Appétit, 24 Nov. 2023
Pessimism was also pronounced among young voters, who said in interviews that they were turned off by both parties.
—Nick Corasaniti, New York Times, 24 Nov. 2023
The soccer ball will light up when kicked or bounced, and the lights will turn off when unused.
—Maya Polton, Parents, 21 Nov. 2023
The water- and wind-resistant shell helps keep the scarf dry in light rain or snow, while 3M insulation traps the heat generated to keep you cozy even when the heating elements are turned off.
—Jen Ator, Travel + Leisure, 19 Nov. 2023
Workers are also demanding that Starbucks turn off mobile ordering on future promotion days.
—Amelia Lucas, NBC News, 16 Nov. 2023
The problem is what juices up the M/R voters also turn off the I/M/S voters.
—Noah Rothman, National Review, 8 Nov. 2023
But the phone was turned off and was unable to be located.
—Keith L. Alexander, Washington Post, 11 Nov. 2023
Residents of Livingston, which is located several miles north of Shepherd, are being asked to shelter in place and turn off air conditioning systems until further notice, according to Livingston police.
—Mark Osborne, ABC News, 8 Nov. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'turnoff.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
Noun
circa 1852, in the meaning defined at sense 3
Verb
1564, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 3a
Dictionary Entries Near turnoff
Cite this Entry
“Turnoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turnoff. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
turnoff
1 of 2 noun
turn·off
ˈtər-ˌnȯf 
1
: a place where one turns off (as from a road)
2
: something that causes loss of interest or enjoyment
the music was a turnoff
turn off
2 of 2 verbˌtər-ˈnȯf,
ˈtər-
1
: to turn aside
turned off onto a side road
2
: to stop by or as if by turning a control
turn off the light
turn the alarm off
3
: to cause dislike or loss of interest
that sort of thing turns me off
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share