turn
1 of 2verb
ˈtərn 
turned; turning; turns
transitive verb
1
a
: to cause to move around an axis or a center : make rotate or revolve
turn a wheel
turn a crank
b(1)
: to cause to move around so as to effect a desired end (as of locking, opening, or shutting)
turned the knob till the door opened
(2)
: to affect or alter the functioning of (something, such as a mechanical device) or the level of (something, such as sound) by such movement
turn the oven to 400°
turn the music to full volume
c
: to execute or perform by rotating or revolving
turn handsprings
d
: to twist out of line or shape : wrench
had turned his ankle
2
a(1)
: to cause to change position by moving through an arc of a circle
turned her chair to the fire
(2)
: to cause to move around a center so as to show another side of
turn the page
(3)
: to cause (a scale) to move so as to register weight
b
: to revolve mentally : think over : ponder
3
a
: to reverse the sides or surfaces of : invert
turn pancakes
turn the shirt inside out
: such as (1)
: to dig or plow so as to bring the lower soil to the surface
turn the compost weekly
(2)
: to make (a garment) over by reversing the material and resewing
turn a collar
(3)
: to invert (something, such as a character, rule, or slug) feet up and face down in setting type
b
: to reverse or upset the order or disposition of
everything was turned topsy-turvy
c
: to disturb or upset the mental balance of : derange, unsettle
a mind turned by grief
d
: to set in another especially contrary direction
4
a
: to bend or change the course of : divert
a battle that turned the tide of history
b
: to bend a course around or about : round
turned the corner at full speed
c
: to cause to retreat
used fire hoses to turn the mob
d
: to alter the drift, tendency, or expected result of
5
a(1)
: to direct or point (something, such as the face) in a specified way or direction
(2)
: to present by a change in direction or position
turning his back to his guests
b
: to direct (something, such as the attention or mind) toward or away from something
c
: to direct the employment of : apply, devote
turned his skills to the service of humankind
d(1)
: to cause to rebound or recoil
turns their argument against them
(2)
: to make antagonistic : prejudice
turn a child against its mother
e(1)
: to cause to go in a particular direction
turned our steps homeward
(2)
: drive, send
turn cows to pasture
turning hunters off his land
(3)
: to convey or direct out of an inverted receptacle
turn the mixture into a baking dish
f
: to bring to bear (as by aiming, pointing, or focusing) : train
turned the light into the dark doorway
turned a questioning eye toward her
6
a(1)
: to make acid or sour
(2)
: to change the color of (foliage)
b(1)
: convert, transform
turn defeat into victory
(2)
: translate, paraphrase
c
: to cause to become of a specified nature or appearance
turned him into a frog
embarrassment turned her face red
d
: to exchange for something else
turn coins into paper money
e
: to cause to defect to another side
7
a
: to shape especially in a rounded form by applying a cutting tool while revolving in a lathe
b
: to give a rounded form to by any means
turn the heel of a sock
c
: to shape or mold artistically, gracefully, or neatly
a well turned phrase
8
: to make a fold, bend, or curve in:
a
: to form by bending
turn a lead pipe
b
: to cause (the edge of a blade) to bend back or over : blunt, dull
9
a
: to gain in the course of business
turning a quick profit
b
: to keep (money, goods, etc.) moving
specifically : to dispose of (a stock) to make room for another
c
: to make use of
turned her education to advantage
d
: to carry to completion : pull off
turned a double play
turn a deal
10
: to engage in (an act of prostitution)
turn tricks
intransitive verb
1
a
: to move around on an axis or through an arc of a circle : rotate
b(1)
: to become focused on something specified
the conversation turned to baseball
(2)
: to have as a decisive factor : hinge
the argument turns on a point of logic
the outcome of the game turned on an interception
(3)
: to have a center (as of interest) in something specified
the discussion turned on the overall worth of the project
c
: to become giddy or dizzy : spin
heights always made his head turn
2
a
: to direct one's course
b(1)
: to reverse a course or direction
the tide has turned
(2)
: to have a reactive usually adverse effect
c
: to take a different course or direction
turned toward home
the main road turns sharply to the right
3
a
: to change position (as of one's head) so as to face another way
everyone turned to stare
b
: to face toward or away from someone or something
flowers turn toward the light
c
: to change one's attitude or reverse one's course of action to one of opposition or hostility
felt the world had turned against him
d
: to make a sudden violent assault especially without evident cause
dogs turning on their owners
4
a
: to direct one's attention to or away from someone or something
b
: to have recourse : refer, resort
turned to a friend for help
turned to his notes for the exact figures
c
: to direct one's efforts or activity : devote or apply oneself
turned to the study of the law
turned to a life of crime
d(1)
: to change one's religion
(2)
: to go over to another side or party : defect
5
a
: to become changed, altered, or transformed
the weather turned
: such as (1)
: to change color
the leaves have turned
(2)
: to become sour, rancid, or tainted
the milk had turned
(3)
: to be variable or inconstant
(4)
: to become mentally unbalanced : become deranged
(5)
archaic : to become different
b(1)
: to pass from one state to another : change
water had turned to ice
(2)
: become, grow
his hair had turned gray
the weather turned bad
just turned twenty
(3)
: to become someone or something specified by change from another state : change into
turn pro
doctors turned authors
(4)
: to change by the passage of time
days turned into weeks and months
6
: to become curved or bent (as from pressure)
especially : to become blunted by bending
the edge of the knife had turned
7
: to operate a lathe
8
of merchandise : to be stocked and disposed of : change hands
turnable
ˈtər-nə-bəl
adjective turn
2 of 2noun
plural turns
1
a
: the action or an act of turning about a center or axis : revolution, rotation
b
: any of various rotating or pivoting movements in dancing or gymnastics
2
a
: the action or an act of giving or taking a different direction : change of course or posture
an illegal left turn
: such as (1)
: a drill maneuver in which troops in mass formation change direction without preserving alignment
(2)
: any of various shifts of direction in skiing
(3)
: an interruption of a curve in figure skating
b
: a place at which something turns, turns off, or turns back : bend, curve
c
: deflection, deviation
d
: the action or an act of turning so as to face in the opposite direction : reversal of posture or course
an about turn
the turn of the tide
e
: a change effected by turning over to another side
a turn of the cards
3
: an act or deed affecting another especially when incidental or unexpected
one good turn deserves another
4
a
: a place, time, or opportunity accorded an individual or unit of a series in simple succession or in a scheduled order
waiting her turn in line
see also take turns b
: a period of action or activity : go, spell
took a turn at the piano
c
: a period or tour of duty : shift
d
: a short act or piece (as for a variety show)
also : public appearance : performance
makes frequent guest star turns
e(1)
: an event in any gambling game after which bets are settled
(2)
: the order of the last three cards in faro —used in the phrase call the turn
5
a
: an act of changing : alteration, modification
a nasty turn in the weather
b
: a change in tendency, trend, or drift
hoped for a turn in his luck
a turn for the better
an unexpected turn of events
c
: the beginning of a new period of time : the time when one period changes to the next
the turn of the century
6
a
: a fashioning of language or arrangement of words : manner of expression
skillful turns of phrase
b
: distinctive quality or character
c
: the shape or mold in which something is fashioned : cast
7
: a short trip out and back or round about
took a turn through the park
8
: something that revolves around a center: such as
a(1)
: lathe
(2)
: a catch or latch for a cupboard or cabinet door operated by turning a handle
b
: a musical ornament consisting of a group of four or more notes that wind about the principal note by including the notes next above and next below
9
: a special purpose or requirement —used chiefly in the phrase serve one's turn
10
a
: the state or manner of being coiled or twisted
b
: a single round (as of rope passed about an object or of wire wound on a core)
11
: natural or special ability or aptitude : bent, inclination
a turn for logic
an optimistic turn of mind
12
: a special twist, construction, or interpretation
gave the old yarn a new turn
13
a
: a disordering spell or attack (as of illness, faintness, or dizziness)
b
: a nervous start or shock
snuck up on her and gave her quite a turn
14
a
: a complete transaction involving a purchase and sale of securities
also : a profit from such a transaction
b
: turnover sense 1a
15
: something turned or to be turned: such as
a
: a character or slug inverted in setting type
b
: a piece of type placed bottom up
Phrases
turn a blind eye : to refuse to see : be oblivious
might turn a blind eye to the use of violence
Arthur Krock
Arthur Krock : to refuse to listen
: to give a sign of distress or disturbance
did not turn a hair when told of the savage murder The Times Literary Supplement (London)
The Times Literary Supplement (London)1
: to become of a different color
2
a
: blush, flush
b
: to grow pale
: to attract favorable attention
the car's sleek design is bound to turn heads
1
a
: to set free
turned loose the captured animal
b
: to free from all restraints
turned them loose with a pile of theme paper to write whatever they liked Elizabeth P. Schafer
Elizabeth P. Schafer2
: to fire off : discharge
3
: to open fire
1
: reject, deny
would be turning one's back on history Pius Walsh
Pius Walsh2
: forsake
turned his back on his obligations
: to set to work : apply oneself
: to cause to become infatuated or conceited
success had not turned his head
: to disgust completely : nauseate
the foul smell turned his stomach
: to turn away so as to flee
: to respond to injury or unkindness with patience : forgo retaliation
: to bring about a reversal of the relative conditions or fortunes of two contending parties
: to bring about the desired result or effect
: capsize, overturn
: on every occasion : continually
they opposed her at every turn
1
: one after another in regular succession
2
: variously, alternately
a book that is by turns pedantic, delightful, and infuriating
: in due order of succession
: at the point of turning
tide is on the turn
1
: not in due order of succession
play out of turn
2
: at a wrong time or place and usually imprudently
talking out of turn
: to perfection
Synonyms
Verb
- pivot
- revolve
- roll
- rotate
- spin
- swing
- swirl
- swivel
- twirl
- twist
- wheel
- whirl
Noun
- amble
- constitutional
- perambulation
- ramble
- range
- saunter
- stroll
- walk
- wander
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Verb He turned the key and opened the door. She slowly turned the doorknob. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left. Someone turned the switch and the lights came on. They turned and walked away. She turned to leave—but stopped. He turned aside to let me pass. The patient turned onto his side. The photographer asked her to turn slightly to her left. He turned himself around to see the back of his shirt in the mirror. Noun You have to wait your turn in line. Is it my turn yet? Give the wheel another turn. He tightened the screw with one last turn. With a turn of the switch, the lights came back on. Take a left-hand turn at the next intersection. a quick turn of her head See More
Recent Examples on the Web Julie Washington, cleveland, 14 Sep. 2022 Stock prices tumbled and bond yields rose on the worse-than-expected core figures, with many investors fearful that the Federal Reserve will turn even more aggressive in its drive to curb inflation. Christopher Rugaber, Anchorage Daily News, 13 Sep. 2022 While not custom, the drive train is unusual in that the cranks turn a belt rather than a chain. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 8 Sep. 2022 The mistake was for the Tories to turn themselves into another party of redistribution instead of standing as Britain’s party of prosperity. The Editorial Board, WSJ, 5 Sep. 2022 People with darker complexions may take on an ashen or blue color, while people with lighter skin often turn red, Smith said. Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2022 In other words, if the bubbles suddenly turn green, you might be blocked. Chris Smith, BGR, 3 Sep. 2022 Speaking with the outlet Tuesday, Ursin's mother pleaded for her son's killer to turn themself in. Tristan Balagtas, Peoplemag, 31 Aug. 2022 Continue a short distance to Jacie Lane, turn left and follow the road into the park. Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, 30 Aug. 2022 Ben Foldy, WSJ, 7 Sep. 2022 In turn, the Suns had the league’s best record last season after posting the NBA’s second-best record in 2020-21. Coincidence? Duane Rankin, The Arizona Republic, 7 Sep. 2022 As well as undergoing yet more funding cuts, which has in turn led to redundancies and cost-cutting measures, the corporation has been criticized by its own staff for handling diversity matters. K.j. Yossman, Variety, 7 Sep. 2022 That invention, in turn, has hinged upon a universal truth: everybody has to go sometime, even astronauts. Bryn Nelson, CNN, 6 Sep. 2022 Over time, many have given less to institutions, which in turn have pushed costs on to students. Diti Kohli, BostonGlobe.com, 6 Sep. 2022 In turn, some investment banks will go to commercial and retail investors in an effort to raise money for Porsche ahead of its public filing. Max Zahn, ABC News, 6 Sep. 2022 In turn, Hightower set his sights on the Naval Academy from his freshman year in high school. Glae Thien, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2022 This, in turn, makes your kitchen cabinets, floor, and backsplash sticky and greasy. Julianne Hilmes Bartlett, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2022 See More
Verb
Plan now to stay active as temperatures turn cold With fall and winter around the corner, now is the time to make plans for staying active throughout the cold season. Julie Washington, cleveland, 14 Sep. 2022 Stock prices tumbled and bond yields rose on the worse-than-expected core figures, with many investors fearful that the Federal Reserve will turn even more aggressive in its drive to curb inflation. Christopher Rugaber, Anchorage Daily News, 13 Sep. 2022 While not custom, the drive train is unusual in that the cranks turn a belt rather than a chain. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 8 Sep. 2022 The mistake was for the Tories to turn themselves into another party of redistribution instead of standing as Britain’s party of prosperity. The Editorial Board, WSJ, 5 Sep. 2022 People with darker complexions may take on an ashen or blue color, while people with lighter skin often turn red, Smith said. Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2022 In other words, if the bubbles suddenly turn green, you might be blocked. Chris Smith, BGR, 3 Sep. 2022 Speaking with the outlet Tuesday, Ursin's mother pleaded for her son's killer to turn themself in. Tristan Balagtas, Peoplemag, 31 Aug. 2022 Continue a short distance to Jacie Lane, turn left and follow the road into the park. Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, 30 Aug. 2022 Noun
Polestar is a unit of Volvo Cars AB, which in turn is owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. of China. Ben Foldy, WSJ, 7 Sep. 2022 In turn, the Suns had the league’s best record last season after posting the NBA’s second-best record in 2020-21. Coincidence? Duane Rankin, The Arizona Republic, 7 Sep. 2022 As well as undergoing yet more funding cuts, which has in turn led to redundancies and cost-cutting measures, the corporation has been criticized by its own staff for handling diversity matters. K.j. Yossman, Variety, 7 Sep. 2022 That invention, in turn, has hinged upon a universal truth: everybody has to go sometime, even astronauts. Bryn Nelson, CNN, 6 Sep. 2022 Over time, many have given less to institutions, which in turn have pushed costs on to students. Diti Kohli, BostonGlobe.com, 6 Sep. 2022 In turn, some investment banks will go to commercial and retail investors in an effort to raise money for Porsche ahead of its public filing. Max Zahn, ABC News, 6 Sep. 2022 In turn, Hightower set his sights on the Naval Academy from his freshman year in high school. Glae Thien, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2022 This, in turn, makes your kitchen cabinets, floor, and backsplash sticky and greasy. Julianne Hilmes Bartlett, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Verb
Middle English; partly from Old English tyrnan & turnian to turn, from Medieval Latin tornare, from Latin, to turn on a lathe, from tornus lathe, from Greek tornos; partly from Anglo-French turner, tourner to turn, from Medieval Latin tornare; akin to Latin terere to rub — more at throw entry 1
Noun
Middle English; partly from Anglo-French tur, tourn turning, circuit (from turner to turn); partly from Middle English turnen to turn
First Known Use
Verb
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a
Noun
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing turn
Kids Definition
turn 1 of 2
verb
ˈtərn
turned; turning
1
: to change in position usually by moving through an arc of a circle
They turned and walked away.
Turn the pancakes over.
2
: to change course or direction
The road turns to the left.
3
: to move or direct toward or away from something
We turned toward home.
4
: to become or cause to become a certain way
The weather turned leaves red.
5
: change entry 1 sense 1, transform
turn lead into gold
6
: to move or cause to move around a center : rotate
The earth turns on its axis.
7
: to twist so as to bring about a desired end
Turn the key to unlock the door.
8
: to go around
We turned the corner.
9
: to reach or pass beyond
Soon she will turn ten.
10
: to become or make very unfriendly
We were friends until she turned on me.
11
: to pass from one state to another : become
The weather turned cold.
12
: execute sense 2, perform
turn somersaults
13
: to set in another and especially an opposite direction
It's difficult to turn the car on such a narrow street.
14
: wrench entry 1 sense 2
turn an ankle
15
: upset entry 1 sense 2
His behavior turns my stomach.
16
: to make an appeal
He turned to a friend for help.
17
: to make or become spoiled
The milk turned.
18
: translate sense 1
19
: to give a rounded form to (as on a lathe)
turn
2 of 2noun
1
: the act of moving about a center
Give the crank another turn.
2
: a change or changing of direction, course, or position
Make a left turn.
3
: a place at which something changes direction
a turn in the road
4
: a period of action or activity : spell
I had my turn as guard.
5
: proper place in a waiting line or time in a schedule
Take your turn.
6
: a change or changing of the general state or condition
Business took a turn for the better.
7
: an act affecting another
Do a friend a good turn.
8
: a short walk or ride
They took a turn through the park.
9
: a special purpose or need
That will serve the turn.
10
: special quality
a nice turn of phrase
11
: the beginning of a new period of time
the turn of the century
12
: a single circle or loop (as of rope passed around an object)
13
: natural or special skill
She has a turn for writing.
Medical Definition
turn
transitive verb
ˈtərn
: to injure by twisting or wrenching
turned his ankle
Legal Definition
turn
intransitive verb
: to have a specified decisive factor —used with on
the first of the cases…turned on first amendment issues K. A. Cohen
K. A. Cohenturn tail
phrase
as in fly
to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening You can't go around starting fights and then turning tail when they don't go your way. Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- fly
- retreat
- flee
- bolt
- run away
- run off
- run
- beat a retreat
- escape
- bug out
- make tracks
- beat it
- get out
- break
- light out
- make off
- clear out
- hightail (it)
- skedaddle
- skirr
- get (away)
- skip (out)
- scram
- decamp
- abscond
- scat
- lam
- elope
- mizzle
- scarper
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- face
- confront
- beard
- dare
- brave
- remain
- stay
- hang around
- stick around
- dwell
- linger
- defy
- abide
- tarry