1
: a place where one turns off
especially
: exit sense 4
2
informal
: one that causes loss of interest or enthusiasm
the music was a turnoff
3
: a turning off
Examples of turnoff in a Sentence
His strong cologne was a real turnoff.
Recent Examples on the Web
The high costs are also a big turnoff.
—
Miami Herald, 6 May 2026
That invitation begins at mile 18, where the Yaqui Pass Road turnoff leads northeast toward the desert basin and the gateway community of Borrego Springs.
—Josh Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
That was a bit of a turnoff for this old traditionalist, who thinks politics has gotten too coarse and foul-mouthed.
—George Skelton, Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2026
Strong’s virtual invisibility on social media and indifference with her public persona hasn’t been a turnoff for endorsements, signaling that major brands see an athlete whose play alone speaks volumes.
—Chantel Jennings, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for turnoff
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Miami Herald, 6 May 2026
That invitation begins at mile 18, where the Yaqui Pass Road turnoff leads northeast toward the desert basin and the gateway community of Borrego Springs.
—Josh Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
That was a bit of a turnoff for this old traditionalist, who thinks politics has gotten too coarse and foul-mouthed.
—George Skelton, Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2026
Strong’s virtual invisibility on social media and indifference with her public persona hasn’t been a turnoff for endorsements, signaling that major brands see an athlete whose play alone speaks volumes.
—Chantel Jennings, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for turnoff
Cite this Entry
“Turnoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turnoff. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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