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

There were turrets, and a drawbridge, but in the grand ballroom, there was no sign of a party. — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 7 Sep. 2026

Both feature spectacular round bedrooms in the hotel’s turrets, looking across to the gardens and the Prado. — Eddi Fiegel, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2026

Orbitals has its fair share of battles, with one player controlling the guns while the other steers the ship to take down turrets and incoming asteroids. — George Yang, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026

One of the two castle turrets that used to frame the school’s entrance was removed to make room for the multi-use room renovation, now underway along with a new standing seam metal roof. — Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 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