turret

noun

tur·​ret ˈtər-ət 

ˈtə-rət, 

ˈtu̇r-ət 

1

: a little tower

specifically : an ornamental structure at an angle of a larger structure

2

a(1)

: a revolving armored structure on a warship that protects one or more guns mounted within it

(2)

: a similar upper structure usually for one gun on a tank

(3)

: a gunner's fixed or movable enclosure in an airplane

b

: a tall building usually moved on wheels and formerly used for carrying soldiers and equipment for breaching or scaling a wall

3

a

: a pivoted and revolvable holder in a machine tool

b

: a device (as on a microscope or a television camera) holding several lenses

Examples of turret in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The turret weighs about 4,190 pounds and offers full 360-degree rotation. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 14 Apr. 2026

Drinking wine as the sun dragged its hem of light over the orange turrets of Bryce Canyon, speaking low to preserve the hush. —Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026

The shoreline compound features a castle-esque turret and cedar shake shingles; the grounds contain multiple stone terraces, a private pond, sweeping wisteria trees, and a greenhouse with epic cathedral ceilings. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Apr. 2026

Its compact form, complete with turrets and crenellations, is reflected in still water on calm days, creating a scene of near-perfect storybook symmetry. —Rosie Conroy, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English touret, from Anglo-French turette, tourette, diminutive of tur, tour tower — more at tower

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for turret

• urate

Kids Definition

turret

noun

tur·​ret ˈtər-ət  ˈtə-rət 

tu̇r-ət

1

: a little tower often at a corner of a building

2

: a low usually rotating structure (as in a tank, warship, or airplane) in which guns are mounted