turn
turn
tɜrn
tērn
British pronunciation
/tɜːn/

Definition & Meaning of "turn"in English

to turn
01

to rotate something so that it is facing a different direction or is in a different position

Transitive: to turn sth to a direction | to turn sth
to turn definition and meaning
example
Examples
He turned the vase to display the flowers from a different angle.
He turned the bicycle handlebars to the right.
1.1

to fold or unfold something, particularly a fabric

Transitive: to turn a fabric
example
Examples
He turned the brim of his hat to shield his eyes from the sun.
She turned down the collar of her dress to create a more relaxed look.
1.2

(with reference to a book, magazine, etc.) to move a page so that one can read or look at its other side

Transitive: to turn a page
Intransitive: to turn to a page
to turn definition and meaning
example
Examples
She carefully turned the page of her favorite novel.
He absentmindedly turned the pages of the old photo album.
1.3

to move in a circular direction around a fixed line or point

Intransitive
to turn definition and meaning
example
Examples
The windmill 's sails started to turn as the breeze picked up.
The Earth turns on its axis, causing day and night.
02

to rotate or shift our body to face a different direction

Intransitive
to turn definition and meaning
example
Examples
He turned to face the door as someone entered.
I turned to face the mirror and adjusted my tie.
2.1

(with reference to one's ankle) to twist suddenly, particularly in a way that causes a sprain

Transitive: to turn one's ankle
to turn definition and meaning
example
Examples
While hiking, he turned his ankle on a hidden tree root.
She accidentally turned her ankle while running on the uneven pavement.
2.2

to change the direction or orientation of a body part so that it faces a different way

Transitive: to turn a body part
example
Examples
We turned our heads to catch a glimpse of the parade.
He turned his body to face the audience as he began his speech.
2.3

to perform a movement that involves moving one's body in a circle

Transitive: to turn an acrobatic movement
example
Examples
She likes to turn flips in the gymnastics class.
The acrobat 's specialty is to turn aerial twists in the circus.
03

to carefully pour or transfer the contents from an upside-down container into another surface or container

Transitive: to turn content of a container onto a surface or container | to turn content of a container into a surface or container
to turn definition and meaning
example
Examples
Turn the cake batter into a baking pan.
After kneading the dough, turn it onto a floured surface.
04

to shift or redirect one's course or path to face a different direction or follow a new route

Intransitive: to turn | to turn to a direction
example
Examples
He turned left at the intersection to head toward the park.
After reaching the dead-end street, they had no choice but to turn around.
4.1

(of the tide) to change its direction or flow from either incoming to outgoing or vice versa

Intransitive
example
Examples
Fishermen often pay close attention to when the tide will turn, as it can affect their catch.
We planned our beach picnic to coincide with the tide turning, providing more space on the sand.
4.2

to change the direction of something's movement by rotating or steering it

Transitive: to turn sth | to turn sth somewhere
example
Examples
She turned the bicycle sharply to avoid the pothole.
I turned the car smoothly into the parking space at the mall.
4.3

(of roads, paths, or rivers) to change direction by bending or curving in a particular way

Intransitive: to turn | to turn to a direction
example
Examples
The hiking trail turns sharply to the right, leading us deeper into the forest.
Be cautious as you drive; the road ahead turns abruptly to the left.
05

(of one's attention or interest) to shift or focus on a particular subject, matter, or idea

Transitive: to turn to a topic
example
Examples
When he mentioned her name, her thoughts turned to their last meeting.
During the lecture, my mind often turned to my upcoming vacation.
5.1

to direct one's attention or interest toward something or away from it

Ditransitive: to turn one's attention or thoughts to a topic | to turn one's attention or thoughts away from a topic
example
Examples
She turned her focus to the challenging puzzle in front of her.
He turned his focus to the intriguing painting on the wall.
06

to reach a certain age

Linking Verb: to turn a specific age
example
Examples
She 'll turn 40 next spring.
I turned 20 last week, and it feels like a milestone.
6.1

to reach or pass a particular moment or hour, denoting a specific point in time

Linking Verb: to turn a specific time
example
Examples
It turned midnight, and the city streets were quiet.
The clock on the wall turned six o'clock, signaling the end of the workday.
07

to change or transform from one state or condition to another

Linking Verb: to turn [adj]
example
Examples
The meeting turned chaotic when opposing viewpoints clashed.
The once clear water in the pond turned murky after the heavy rain.
7.1

(with reference to milk) to cause to become sour or spoiled

Transitive: to turn milk
Complex Transitive: to turn milk [adj]
example
Examples
Be careful not to turn the milk by exposing it to high temperatures.
The warm weather can quickly turn the milk.
7.2

(of foliage) to transition from one color to another, often due to seasonal changes

Linking Verb: to turn [adj]
example
Examples
The trees by the lake turn golden in autumn.
In the fall, the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and orange.
7.3

(of milk) to become sour or spoiled

Intransitive
Linking Verb: to turn [adj]
example
Examples
Be careful not to let the milk sit in the sun; it'll turn in no time.
The power outage made the refrigerator stop working, and the milk turned.
7.4

to make someone or something change into a particular state or condition

Complex Transitive: to turn sth [adj]
example
Examples
The stormy weather turned the sea a turbulent gray.
The unexpected betrayal had turned her trust wary.
7.5

to undergo a change in state or form

Intransitive
example
Examples
The weather turned, and it began to rain.
The economy turned, and businesses began to fail.
7.6

to experience a loss of mental balance, resulting in irrational or disoriented behavior

Intransitive
example
Examples
The constant stress at work caused him to turn over time.
After the traumatic incident, she slowly began to turn.
08

to skillfully and artistically shape or craft something, like a tune, sentence, or remark, to give it an elegant and graceful form

Transitive: to turn a tune or sentence
example
Examples
He knows how to turn a tune, creating beautiful melodies.
The author has a knack for turning phrases that resonate with readers.
09

to shape or mold an object or material by bending or manipulating it

Transitive: to turn sth
example
Examples
The trees were turning their branches in the wind.
She skillfully turned the wire, shaping a graceful sculpture.
9.1

to carve or shape wood or metal using a particular tool or machine called lathe

Transitive: to turn a wooden or metal object
example
Examples
She turned the table legs to perfection.
He turned a beautiful wooden bowl on the lathe.
9.2

to break up the soil in order to prepare it for planting crops, particularly with a plow

Transitive: to turn the soil
to turn definition and meaning
example
Examples
The farmer turned the soil early in the morning.
We watched as the plow turned the rich earth.
9.3

to intentionally bend back the edge of a blade to make it blunt and less sharp

Transitive: to turn a blade
example
Examples
The chef had to turn the kitchen knives after sharpening them to avoid any accidents.
When teaching knife safety, it 's essential to demonstrate how to turn the blade properly.
9.4

to bend or curve due to pressure or force

Intransitive
example
Examples
The heated plastic began to turn and take the desired shape.
Over time, the old book 's pages started to turn at the edges.
10

to successfully achieve or accomplish a task or goal

Transitive: to turn an achievement
example
Examples
He turned a flawless performance at the piano recital.
The batter turned a double play.
11

to cause someone or something to leave where they are or be placed in a particular condition

Complex Transitive: to turn sb/sth [adj]
Transitive: to turn sb/sth somewhere
example
Examples
The principal turned the rowdy students loose in the gymnasium.
The vet turned the rescued animals loose in the sanctuary.
11.1

to make someone or a group move away or retreat

Transitive: to turn sb
example
Examples
The unexpected appearance of security personnel turned the protesters.
The guard dogs were released to turn the intruders.
12

(of merchandise) to be bought or sold, often within a commercial or retail setting

Intransitive
example
Examples
The new smartphones turned quickly at the electronics store.
The holiday decorations turned as December approached.
12.1

to sell, exchange, or dispose of items, typically goods or stock, particularly to create space for new items or generate revenue

Transitive: to turn merchandise
example
Examples
The store needed to turn its old inventory to make way for new products.
The company had to turn their surplus supplies to create storage space.
13

to cause a change in the course of a competition or war, resulting in a different person, team, or side beginning to win or gain an advantage

Transitive: to turn a competition or war
example
Examples
His last-minute goal turned the match in favor of our team.
The underdog team turned the championship with their incredible performance.
13.1

(of a war, competition, etc.) to change in its course or development, causing a different person, team, or side to gain the upper hand and start winning

Intransitive
example
Examples
After a series of strategic moves, the situation on the battlefield turned, and the opposing army began to retreat.
As the negotiations progressed, the balance of power turned in favor of the smaller country, giving them a stronger position at the bargaining table.
13.2

to move around or bypass a defensive line or position to attack it from a different direction

Intransitive
Transitive: to turn sth
example
Examples
The cavalry unit was ordered to turn and attack the exposed flank of the enemy's formation.
The enemy army tried to turn our flank, but we were able to repel their attack.
14

to exchange, convert, or alter the functioning of something

Transitive: to turn sth to a level
example
Examples
Turn the thermostat to 72 degrees.
Turn the heater to its highest setting.
Turn
01

the time when someone has the opportunity, obligation, or right to do a certain thing that everyone in a group does one after the other

Dialectamerican flagAmerican
gobritish flagBritish
turn definition and meaning
example
Examples
She took her turn in the game, rolling the dice and moving her game piece.
It was her turn to speak during the meeting, so she stood up and addressed the group.
02

the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course

turn definition and meaning
03

a place in a road, river, etc. where it bends

turn definition and meaning
example
Examples
The sharp turn in the mountain road made it difficult to drive at night.
After the turn in the river, we spotted a family of ducks swimming calmly.
04

an unforeseen development

05

the act of turning away or in the opposite direction

06

turning or twisting around (in place)

07

a movement in a new direction

08

taking a short walk out and back

09

a favor for someone

10

a specific performance or act, particularly on stage in theater or entertainment settings

What is a "turn"?

A turn is a specific performance, moment, or segment within a show, often featuring a distinct act or scene presented by a performer or group. It contributes to the overall production by showcasing the talents of the performers and advancing the storyline or theme of the event. Each turn involves a deliberate presentation or display designed to engage the audience and enhance the entertainment value of the performance.

example
Examples
The actor 's dramatic turn as Hamlet received rave reviews from critics.
Her comedic turn in the play had the audience roaring with laughter.
11

the opportunity in which player or a team gets to play offense

What is a "turn"?

A turn refers to the opportunity a player or team gets to play offense. During this time, they are in control of the ball or puck and attempt to score or advance the play. In games like basketball, soccer, or football, a turn usually follows a change in possession, such as after a turnover or a completed play. The team or player on their turn focuses on attacking, strategizing, and trying to create opportunities to score, often until the other team regains possession or the play ends.

example
Examples
During the power play, it 's crucial for the hockey team to capitalize on their turn.
Each team gets a turn to serve the ball in volleyball.
12

a time period for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else)

13

the third round of betting in which the dealer reveals an additional community card face-up on the table after the Flop

What is the "turn"?

The turn is the fourth community card dealt in poker games like Texas hold 'em and Omaha. It is placed face-up in the center of the table after the betting round following the flop. The turn is important because it gives players more information about the potential strength of their hand, and it leads to a new round of betting. After the turn, the fifth and final community card, called the river, is dealt, followed by the final betting round. Players use the turn along with the other community cards and their hole cards to make the best possible hand.

14

a transitional phase that marks the end of one era and the beginning of another

example
Examples
The turn of the century brought significant technological advancements that reshaped society.
At the turn of the millennium, there were widespread fears about the Y2 K bug affecting computer systems worldwide.
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