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

Unlike the distinctly balanced symmetry of the Georgian homes popular prior to the Victorian era, Queen Anne houses use signature architectural elements—rounded or octagonal turrets, bay windows, gables, and wrap-around porches—to achieve the uneven facade. —Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2024

There’s also discussion of anointing Sandra, or of splitting up the game’s only couple by bringing Larsa into the turret. —Molly Fitzpatrick, Vulture, 12 Jan. 2024

There’s a spiral stone staircase, a small bathroom with river views, and, if that isn’t quirky enough for you, a small sauna tucked inside one of the turrets. —Stephanie Wood, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 June 2024

Its design came straight out of the city’s 1986 aesthetic of faux marble, window block turrets, and beige optimism. —Hazlitt, 19 June 2024

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

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