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

The remains of two sailors were recovered when scientists recovered the turret for preservation in 2002, NOAA says. —Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 10 Mar. 2026

It was built around 1520, and the architectural style of the turrets means that each room feels really special—including a monastic bedroom with a soaring curved ceiling. —Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2026

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

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