turf
turf — noun
1. the uppermost layer of ground where grass roots are woven into the dirt beneath
the uppermost layer of ground where grass roots are woven into the dirt beneath it; also such material cut into rectangles for lawns or sports grounds
Adina sat on the soft turf in the park and watched the children play.
The groundskeeper laid fresh turf around the new flower bed.
collocation: lay turf / fresh turf
After the match, the players kicked up chunks of wet turf.
Tara bought several rolls of turf to cover the bare patches in her garden.
- fresh turf
- soft turf
- lay turf
- turf field
2. the activity of racing horses as a sport or commercial enterprise
the activity of racing horses as a sport or commercial enterprise
Hassan has been involved in the turf for over twenty years as a trainer.
fixed phrase: the turf = horse racing
The excitement of the turf draws thousands of fans to the racetrack every weekend.
A career on the turf requires long hours and a deep love of horses.
Gabriela read about the history of the turf in an old sports magazine.
- the turf
- the world of the turf
- horse racing
more general and neutral; 'turf' has a traditional, insider tone
- racing
shorter, but less specific — could mean car or dog racing
Usage Note
Almost always used with 'the' — 'the turf' refers to the horse-racing world collectively (breeders, trainers, jockeys, bettors). Not used for a single race event.
Common Mistakes
3. a topic or field where somebody possesses great knowledge, skill, or authority
a topic or field where somebody possesses great knowledge, skill, or authority
When the discussion moved to data security, Quan was clearly on his own turf.
idiom: be on one's own turf = be in one's area of expertise
Rohan prefers to stick to his turf and avoid arguments about politics.
When it comes to cooking traditional Korean dishes, Jenna knows it is her turf.
The professor told the journalist that medieval history was not his turf.
- somebody's turf
- on one's own turf
- stick to one's turf
Grammar Patterns
somebody's turf
be on somebody's turf
Usage Note
Metaphorical extension of the territory sense. Often used in possessive constructions ('my turf', 'his turf', 'our turf').
4. a place or region that a person or group feels belongs to them, often defending
a place or region that a person or group feels belongs to them, often defending it against outsiders or rivals
The two gangs fought over turf near the old warehouse.
Allison warned the new delivery drivers to stay off her family's turf.
collocation: stay off somebody's turf
Zayd refused to let the new shop open on what he called his turf.
The neighbourhood kids treat the old playground as their personal turf.
- defend one's turf
- fight over turf
- stay off somebody's turf
- someone's turf
- territory
broader and more neutral; 'turf' carries a competitive or defensive tone
- patch
British informal; similar meaning but less aggressive
- stomping ground
informal; refers to a familiar place, not necessarily defended
Grammar Patterns
somebody's turf
defend one's turf
on somebody's turf
Usage Note
Common in contexts of gangs, rival groups, or businesses competing for customers in a local area. Also used playfully among friends about personal spaces.
Common Mistakes
5. dried blocks of peat, cut from boggy ground and burned as fuel for heating or co
dried blocks of peat, cut from boggy ground and burned as fuel for heating or cooking
Mizuki's grandmother still burns turf in her old fireplace every winter.
The smell of burning turf filled the small cottage in County Kerry.
collocation: burning turf
Élise watched the farmer stack dried turf beside the stone shed.
During the cold months, the family relied on turf to heat their home.
- burn turf
- cut turf
- dried turf
- turf fire
- peat
the material in its natural state before being cut and dried
Usage Note
Primarily used in Ireland, Scotland, and other regions with peat bogs. In modern contexts, environmental concerns have reduced its common use.
turf — verb
1. to put a prepared layer of grass and soil onto an area of ground, creating a law
to put a prepared layer of grass and soil onto an area of ground, creating a lawn or playing field
The Chen family hired a gardener to turf the backyard before the summer party.
The football pitch was newly turfed after the winter season.
passive: was newly turfed
Beatrix plans to turf the front garden next spring.
The council turfed the area around the new community centre.
- newly turfed
- turf a lawn
- turf a field
- freshly turfed
- sod
American English equivalent, both verb and noun
Grammar Patterns
turf + object
Usage Note
Often used in the passive ('the field was turfed last spring'). Not to be confused with 'turf out' (British slang meaning to throw away or eject).
Common Mistakes
turf out
phrasal verbto force someone to leave a place or position, often abruptly
The landlord turfed the noisy tenants out of the apartment building.