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 villa was built in the 1920s, so a sense of history threads throughout, from the Art Nouveau facades to the handsome turret. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 17 May 2025

For a special occasion, there is a tiny eight-seat private dining room found within one of the building’s famous turrets, which has views over the city as well as into the kitchen. —Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025

This romantic Gothic Revival fortress, home to the Duke and Duchess of Rutland, commands an impressive presence with its battlements, turrets, and sweeping views over more than 15,000 acres of parkland. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 June 2025

Its Richardsonian Romanesque architecture — punctuated by a five-story interior courtyard and skylight, two towers, peaked roofs, turrets and gables — lends itself to weddings and corporate events. —Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 8 June 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