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

These structures help trigger premature detonation, deflect attacks, or block small drones targeting the turret roof. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 29 Dec. 2025

The home was designed to resemble a European castle, complete with turrets, towers and stone interiors. —Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Nov. 2025

The home’s original turret, once a beacon for budding astronomers, now serves as a luminous reading nook overlooking the sea. —Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 30 Oct. 2025

For that, your classic old 3–9×40 scope is lighter, faster, and way simpler to use than a long-range tube with turrets. —Will Brantley, Outdoor Life, 29 Oct. 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