turnstile

noun

turn·​stile ˈtərn-ˌstī(-ə)l 

: a post with arms pivoted on the top set in a passageway so that persons can pass through only on foot one by one

Examples of turnstile in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Currently, around 90 percent of transit riders use the OMNY payment system, mostly tapping their phone or credit card or also OMNY card at the turnstile. —Lincoln Anderson, New York Daily News, 3 Jan. 2026

Police tell us that we’ll be escorted under the M621 motorway towards the away turnstiles. —Andy Mitten, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2026

Some New York City subway riders say a new gate system designed to cut down on turnstile jumpers is creating chaos, confusion and potential danger. —Adi Guajardo, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025

Swiping the transit card too fast or too slow, with the stripe facing the wrong side, or having insufficient fare all led to the subsequent, seemingly judgmental thud of the turnstile slamming into you. —Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 28 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for turnstile

• argyle
• awhile
• beguile
• compile
• condyle
• defile
• erstwhile
• exile
• freestyle
• gentile
• hairstyle
• lifestyle

Kids Definition

turnstile

noun

turn·​stile -ˌstīl 

: a post having arms which turn around that is set in an entrance or exit so that persons can pass through only on foot one by one