Pronunciation

/tɜːrn/

Definitions

Noun

• A change in direction or position: A turn in the road, a turn of the page. Example: “The path took a sharp turn to the left.”
• An act or instance of rotating or moving around a center: The turn of a wheel, a turn of the hourglass. Example: “He gave a full turn before sitting down.”
• A chance or opportunity: A turn at bat, a turn to speak. Example: “Everyone had a turn to share their ideas.”
• A period of time or responsibility: Shift rotation, taking a turn at work. Example: “It’s your turn to watch the kids this weekend.”

Verb

• To rotate or move around: She turned the doorknob to open the door.
• To change direction or course: He turned away from the argument.
• To present something to someone: The host turned over the book to the guest.
• To control or direct (attention, focus, or events): The game was turning in our favor.
• To change one’s opinion or attitude: His views on the topic have taken a dramatic turn.

Adjective

• Characterizing a change or sequence: A sudden turn of events, a gradual turn of opinion.
• Requiring a change of direction: A sharp turn, a U-turn.
• Temporary or intermittent: A turn-off, a turnabout.

Adverb

• In a particular manner: He turned quickly to face her.
• After a certain period: He takes turns every two hours.
• By degrees or stages: The temperature is turning colder.

Phrases

• “Take a turn” means to have a go or participate.
• “Make a turn” refers to changing direction.
• “On your turn” signals that it is someone’s opportunity.
• “Turn-based” describes a game where players take turns.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The car took a tight turn around the corner.”
• Verb: “She turned the key in the ignition to start the engine.”
• Adjective: “The plot took a surprising turn halfway through the book.”
• Adverb: “He turned around to face his friends.”

Synonyms

• Rotate
• Pivot
• Revolve
• Switch
• Alter
• Redirect
• Shift
• Change gears
• Reorient