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

One bedroom includes access to a wraparound balcony, and there’s also a hidden staircase leading to the turret, offering far-reaching views across the estate. —Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025

But above, the building was a festive amalgam of turrets, balconies, gables, and colored bricks. —Henry Wiencek july 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025

Other highlights include six fireplaces, multiple wet bars, a two-level circular stone library housed in a stone turret, a private theater, and an art studio. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 10 July 2025

Nearby, however, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza stuns with its Gothic arches and red-tiled turrets. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025

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