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

Engineers built the turret specifically for uncrewed platforms. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Feb. 2026

Tourelles, a type of turret, were historically used for military purposes—suitably, this is where the titular Traitors come to plot their next murder. —Alison McDermott, Architectural Digest, 19 Feb. 2026

This slow-growing cactus has a cluster of branching columns that resemble the turrets of a tiny castle, hence its name. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026

But the Victorian-style castle hotel, with its red-gable roofs, whimsical turrets, and more than 100 fireplaces, has, for decades, drawn whodunnit enthusiasts to its signature Murder Mystery Weekends. —Angela Lian, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 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