1
: a turn resembling the letter U
especially : a 180-degree turn made by a vehicle in a road
2
: something (such as a reversal of policy) resembling a U-turn

Examples of U-turn in a Sentence

an abrupt U-turn of her support for the candidate after hearing the news of his misdeeds
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Martin: What if President Trump makes another U-turn? Michel Martin, NPR, 13 May 2025 As for why chain ferns pull off this evolutionary U-turn, researchers hypothesize the lack of seeding as a reproductive strategy is the vital factor. Jay Kakade may 12, New Atlas, 12 May 2025 Rather than using economic downturns or failures of presidential leadership to justify a U-turn on the path to progress, Maryland needs to hold steady on its course and keep its eyes on the horizon. Paul G. Pinsky, Baltimore Sun, 12 May 2025 These are men of a certain age who spent decades in gangs, then made a moral U-turn in the joint. Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for U-turn

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of U-turn was in 1906

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“U-turn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/U-turn. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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