turn·around
ˈtərn-ə-ˌrau̇nd 
1
a
: the action of receiving, processing, and returning something
24-hour turnaround time on most orders
b
: the process of readying a transport vehicle for departure after its arrival
also
: the time spent in this process
a quick turnaround between flights
2
a
: turnabout sense 1a
a corporate turnaround
3
: a space permitting the turning around of a vehicle
4
: a jump shot by a player facing away from the basket who turns toward the basket while shooting
—often used attributively
a turnaround jumper
turned around; turning around; turns around
1
: to become changed for the better
2
: to act in an abrupt, different, or surprising manner
—used with and
after three years he just turned around and left school
: to change for the better
turned her life around
Examples of turnaround in a Sentence
Noun
The turnaround for most orders is 24 hours.
There is a 24-hour turnaround time on most orders.
a quick turnaround between flights
The team needs a big turnaround after their loss last week.
The company has achieved a remarkable turnaround in the past year.
The latest news has caused a turnaround in public opinion.
Recent Examples on the Web
Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
Utah State’s turnaround came from suffocating defense, which forced Boise State to use almost the entire shot clock on every possession before taking a less-than-ideal shot.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 19 Feb. 2026
Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 12 Feb. 2026
While many are struggling economically, there’s a sense of hope that things are turning around for the better.
—Carmen Sesin, NBC news, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for turnaround
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Noun
In such a campaign, having the B-2s, as well as B-1 and B-52 bombers, using bases thousands of miles closer to Iran would enable quicker turnarounds to rearm and refuel for more strikes.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
Utah State’s turnaround came from suffocating defense, which forced Boise State to use almost the entire shot clock on every possession before taking a less-than-ideal shot.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
At one point, Jayapal asked Bondi to turn around to the victims at the back of the room and apologize for not redacting their personal information.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 12 Feb. 2026
While many are struggling economically, there’s a sense of hope that things are turning around for the better.
—Carmen Sesin, NBC news, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for turnaround
Cite this Entry
“Turnaround.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turnaround. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
turnaround
1 of 2 noun
turn·around
ˈtər-nə-ˌrau̇nd
1
2
: the time needed for one complete cycle or round trip from start to destination and back
turn around
2 of 2 verb1
: to act in a sudden, different, or surprising manner
he just turned around and left home
2
: to change for the better
turned her life around
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