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

Although the numbers on the chassis were divided into various unrelated intervals, the transmissions appeared to be numbered sequentially, as were the tank guns, heaters, road wheels and turret engines. — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 7 July 2026

Near the end of the demo, one of us piloted a ship while the other used a turret to shoot enemies and space debris. — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 7 July 2026

Nestled on almost half an acre shaded by a huge oak tree, with a nearby access point to Sag Harbor Cove, the Gothic Victorian’s white wood exterior features a dramatic turret, multiple gables, deep eaves, and oversized windows. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 7 July 2026

Guests can stay in a torreón (similar to a turret) or even an Old West jail, along with multiple private guest suites. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 6 July 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