turn
turn — verb
1. To go around a centre point in a full circle, or to make an object go around lik
To go around a centre point in a full circle, or to make an object go around like this — for example, a wheel turning or someone turning a handle.
The Earth turns on its axis once every twenty-four hours.
intransitive: turn on + [axis]
Mira turned the handle slowly and pushed the old wooden door open.
transitive: turn + [object] to operate
The ceiling fan turned faster as the afternoon grew hotter.
Felix turned the key in the lock and heard a quiet click.
transitive: turn + [object] in [location]
- turn on an axis
- turn in a circle
- turn clockwise/anticlockwise
- turn the handle
- turn the wheel
- turn the key
Grammar Patterns
turn + (around/on) [axis or central point]
turn + [object] + (around/on [point])
Usage Note
The subject is often a wheel, handle, key, planet, or machine part. When transitive, the object is the thing you rotate.
Common Mistakes
2. to move your body or part of your body so that it faces a different direction, o
to move your body or part of your body so that it faces a different direction, often by rotating in place.
Diya turned around when she heard someone call her name from behind.
turn around: rotate body to face the opposite direction
The dancers turned gracefully in time with the music during the performance.
Christopher turned his head to get a better view of the painting on the wall.
transitive: turn + [body part]
The gymnast turned three times on the balance beam before landing perfectly.
intransitive: turn + [number] + times + on [surface]
- turn around
- turn your head
- turn your back
- turn to face
- turn away
Grammar Patterns
turn + [body part]
turn + [reflexive] + around/round
Usage Note
Common with 'around' or 'round' to imply a full or partial rotation of the body. Frequent reflexive pattern: 'turn yourself around'.
3. To go or face a new way instead of continuing in the same direction — for instan
To go or face a new way instead of continuing in the same direction — for instance, turning your car left onto a side street or turning your body to look behind you.
Turn left at the traffic lights and the post office will be on your right.
imperative: turn + [direction] + at [landmark]
The narrow path turns sharply after the big oak tree near the river.
intransitive: path/road + turns + [adverb]
Dewi turned the bicycle onto a quiet street to avoid the heavy traffic.
transitive: turn + [vehicle] + onto [road]
The driver turned the van around when he realised the bridge was closed.
Yasmin turned her face towards the window to feel the warm sunlight.
- turn left/right
- turn a corner
- turn into a road
- turn around
- turn away
- turn back
- change direction
more explicit and formal; used when clarity is needed
- veer
implies a sudden or uncontrolled change of direction
- swerve
suggests a quick movement to avoid something
- go straight
continuing in the same direction without turning
Grammar Patterns
turn + [direction] (left/right/back)
turn + into/onto [road/street]
turn + [vehicle/thing] + [direction]
Usage Note
This is the most common everyday sense of 'turn'. Often used with direction words (left, right, back, around) and prepositions like 'into' and 'onto'.
Common Mistakes
4. In cricket, when the ball bounces off the ground and changes direction sharply i
In cricket, when the ball bounces off the ground and changes direction sharply instead of travelling in a straight line.
The ball turned sharply off the pitch and surprised the batsman completely.
cricket-specific: ball + turns + off [surface]
Spinners spend years practising to make the ball turn more effectively on dry pitches.
The bowler was delighted to see the ball turn away from the batsman's bat.
intransitive: ball + turn + away from [target]
On dry pitches the ball tends to turn more in the afternoon.
- turn sharply
- turn off the pitch
- turn away from the bat
- spin
a related but distinct term: 'spin' describes how the bowler makes the ball turn
Grammar Patterns
ball + turns + (sharply/suddenly/away from)
Usage Note
This sense is specific to cricket. The subject is always a ball, and the context is almost always about spin bowling.
5. To reposition something like a page, a piece of food, or a card so the underside
To reposition something like a page, a piece of food, or a card so the underside faces up, or to be repositioned like this.
Eric turned the page and continued reading the next chapter of the book.
turn the page: common collocation for reading
The chef turned the steak with a pair of metal tongs to cook it evenly.
Ignacio turned the hourglass upside down and watched the fine sand run through.
turn + [object] + upside down
Xiu turns the soil in her garden every spring before planting new seeds.
The mattress should be turned over once a month to keep it in good shape.
passive: be turned over [frequency]
- turn a page
- turn over
- turn upside down
- turn the soil
- turn a card
Grammar Patterns
turn + [object] + over/around/upside down
turn + the page
Usage Note
Very common with page, mattress, card, soil, or food being cooked. The particle 'over' or 'around' often follows to make the action explicit.
6. to change from one state, quality, or form into another, such as when leaves cha
to change from one state, quality, or form into another, such as when leaves change colour in autumn or when milk goes sour.
The leaves turn bright orange and red when autumn arrives each year.
linking verb: turn + [colour adjective]
The milk turned sour because the children forgot to put it back in the fridge.
turn + [adjective describing unwanted state]
Stephanie's face turned pale when she heard the frightening news about the accident.
What started as a friendly debate turned into a heated argument between the colleagues.
turn into + [noun phrase]: complete transformation
- turn cold/cool/warm
- turn red/blue/yellow
- turn sour
- turn pale
- turn into
- turn nasty
- become
more general and neutral; 'turn' often implies a more noticeable or dramatic change
- change into
more explicit about the transformation; used with nouns
- go
informal, used with negative states only: go bad, go mad, go wrong
Grammar Patterns
turn + [adjective]
turn + into + [noun]
turn + [noun]
Usage Note
This is a linking verb (copular) sense, similar to 'become'. It is followed by an adjective (turn cold, turn red) or 'into' + noun (turn into a monster). Do not confuse with sense 5 (FLIP OVER) which is about physical position rather than change of state.
Common Mistakes
7. to reach a particular age, especially a round-number birthday such as twenty, th
to reach a particular age, especially a round-number birthday such as twenty, thirty, or forty
Allison turned thirty last week and celebrated with a party at her favourite restaurant.
turn + age for milestone birthday
Christopher will turn eighteen just before the summer trip with his classmates.
Élise turned sixty-five in the spring and finally retired from teaching at the local school.
Walid turned forty-two last March and decided to start running every morning.
- turn + number
- turn + milestone
Grammar Patterns
turn + number (age)
Usage Note
Subject is always a person, and the age is always a specific number. Do not add 'years old' after the number.
Common Mistakes
8. to reach or pass a particular time of day or night
to reach or pass a particular time of day or night
It had just turned midnight when the power went out across the whole street.
it + turn + time for clock time
Ilan promised to be home before it turned ten, but he arrived much later.
By the time it turned three in the afternoon, the library was almost completely empty.
It turned eleven o'clock, and the children still had not finished their homework.
- turn + midnight
- turn + o'clock
- turn + time of day
Grammar Patterns
it + turn + time
Usage Note
Subject is almost always 'it' (dummy subject). This sense does not take an article before the time — 'it turned midnight', not 'it turned the midnight'.
Common Mistakes
9. to move a switch, button, or handle on a device to change what it produces, for
to move a switch, button, or handle on a device to change what it produces, for example starting or stopping it or making it stronger or weaker
Beatrix turned the tap and filled the kettle with cold water for tea.
turn + [noun] + to operate a device
Rania turned the radio up when her favourite song came on.
turn + [noun] + up/down for volume
Kenji turned the heating off before leaving the house for the weekend.
turn + [noun] + on/off for starting/stopping
Sahil turned the lights down low so the room felt cosy and warm.
- turn on/off
- turn up/down
- turn + light
- turn + tap
- turn + heating
- turn + volume
Grammar Patterns
turn + noun + on/off/up/down
Usage Note
Commonly used with on/off/up/down to indicate direction of change. The object can be any device with a control: light, radio, television, tap, oven, heating, etc.
Common Mistakes
❌ 'Turn on the light, please.' — (actually correct!) Just ensure the object is placed correctly: 'Turn on the light' and 'Turn the light on' are both fine with separable phrasal verbs.
10. to injure a muscle in your foot or ankle by twisting it suddenly or in an awkwar
to injure a muscle in your foot or ankle by twisting it suddenly or in an awkward way, causing pain and swelling
Minh turned his ankle running down the stairs and had to sit for a while.
turn + possessive + ankle for injury
Sofia turned her foot on a loose stone at the park and limped home.
Femi turned his ankle during the football match and could not finish the game.
The goalkeeper turned his ankle diving for the ball and had to leave the match.
- turn + ankle
- turn + foot
- turn + possessive + ankle
Grammar Patterns
turn + possessive + ankle/foot
Usage Note
The object is almost always 'ankle' or 'foot'. The passive form ('His ankle was turned') is much less common than the active form with a possessive.
Common Mistakes
11. to use a lathe to make wooden objects by cutting and smoothing them as they spin
to use a lathe to make wooden objects by cutting and smoothing them as they spin rapidly
Minh turned a wooden bowl on his lathe as a birthday gift for his mother.
turn + [object] + on a lathe for woodworking
The craftsman turned four table legs from a single block of oak in one afternoon.
Students in the class learned how to turn a simple candle holder from maple wood.
The old carpenter turned the wood slowly while his apprentice watched every movement.
- turn + on a lathe
- turn + wood/oak/maple
- turn + bowl/leg/vase
Grammar Patterns
turn + noun + on a lathe
Usage Note
This sense belongs to woodworking and is uncommon in everyday conversation. The object can be the material (wood, oak) or the finished item (bowl, leg).
turn against
phrasal verbTo stop supporting or liking someone or something, and start opposing them.
The public turned against the politician after the scandal.
Why did you turn against your best friend?
turn around
phrasal verbTo change direction and face the opposite way, or to make a business or situation successful after failure.
The car turned around and drove back home.
The new manager turned the company around in one year.
turn away
phrasal verbTo refuse to let someone enter a place or to refuse to help someone.
The club turned away dozens of people because it was full.
She turned away from the beggar without giving anything.
turn back
phrasal verbTo return the way you came, or to stop someone from continuing forward.
The hikers had to turn back because of the storm.
Police turned back the protesters at the border.
turn down
phrasal verbTo refuse an offer, request, or invitation, or to reduce the volume or heat of something.
She turned down the job offer because the salary was too low.
Could you please turn down the music? It's too loud.
turn in
phrasal verbTo give something to someone in authority, or to go to bed.
Please turn in your homework by Friday.
I'm tired; I think I'll turn in early tonight.
turn in on yourself
phrasal verbTo become very quiet and not want to talk to other people, often because of sadness or worry.
After the accident, he turned in on himself and stopped seeing friends.
She turned in on herself and refused to discuss her feelings.
turn into
phrasal verbTo change and become something different.
The caterpillar turned into a beautiful butterfly.
The argument turned into a huge fight.
turn off
phrasal verbTo stop a machine, light, or supply from working, or to leave one road and enter another.
Please turn off the lights when you leave the room.
We turned off the main road and drove into the village.
turn on
phrasal verbTo start a machine, light, or supply working, or to suddenly attack someone.
She turned on the television to watch the news.
The dog turned on its owner without warning.
turn out
phrasal verbTo happen in a particular way, or to produce something, or to force someone to leave a place.
The party turned out to be a great success.
The factory turns out thousands of cars each month.
turn over
phrasal verbTo move something so that the top becomes the bottom, or to give something to someone in authority.
He turned over the page to continue reading.
The thief turned over the stolen money to the police.
turn over to
phrasal verbTo give control or responsibility of something to someone else.
She turned over the project to her assistant.
The company was turned over to a new owner.
turn round
phrasal verbTo move so that you face the opposite direction, or to make a business successful again.
She turned round and saw her friend waving.
The new CEO turned round the failing company.
turn to
phrasal verbTo go to someone for help or advice, or to start doing something new or different.
When I'm in trouble, I always turn to my mother.
After losing his job, he turned to drinking.
turn up
phrasal verbTo arrive or appear, often unexpectedly, or to increase the volume or heat of something.
He turned up late for the meeting again.
Could you turn up the heating? It's cold in here.
Used to say what actually happened, especially when it was different from what was expected.
As it turned out, the train was delayed by two hours.
Things turned out better than we had hoped.
To be dressed in a particular way, especially well or badly.
The guests were all beautifully turned out for the wedding.
He was poorly turned out in old, torn clothes.
Used to say that a dead person would be very angry or upset about something.
My grandfather would turn in his grave if he saw this mess.
The author would turn in her grave at the film adaptation.
Used to describe someone saying or doing something surprising or annoying, often after a different previous action.
He promised to help, then turned around and refused.
She turned round and blamed me for her own mistake.
turn — noun
1. the moment when it is someone's chance or responsibility to do something because
the moment when it is someone's chance or responsibility to do something because others have already done it or will do it later, following a planned order
It was Ramón's turn to wash the dishes after dinner.
possessive + turn + to-infinitive
Whose turn is it to read the next chapter aloud?
Whose turn + to-infinitive — asking about order
Niran's turn to present the project came earlier than expected.
The children waited calmly for their turn on the climbing frame.
wait for + possessive + turn
If you miss your turn, you have to wait until the end of the round.
- have a turn
- wait for your turn
- miss your turn
- take a turn
- it is someone's turn
- whose turn
Grammar Patterns
it is [possessive/determiner] turn + to-infinitive
whose turn is it + to-infinitive
Usage Note
"It is [someone's] turn" is always followed by to-infinitive, not "for" + noun. The expression is usually singular: "take a turn" means one chance; "have turns" is non-standard.
Common Mistakes
2. used in the fixed expression "take turns" (or "take it in turns") when each pers
used in the fixed expression "take turns" (or "take it in turns") when each person in a group does the same activity in succession, alternating responsibility
Kenji and his sister took turns pushing each other on the swing.
take turns + -ing form
The two drivers took turns driving through the narrow mountain pass.
Maeve's parents take turns walking the dog every morning.
take turns + verb-ing (present tense)
We take turns choosing which film to watch on Friday evenings.
The nurses took turns checking on the patient through the night.
- take turns doing something
- take it in turns
- take turns at something
Grammar Patterns
take turns + -ing form
take turns + at/in + noun
Usage Note
"Take turns" is always plural — never "take turn". The -ing form follows directly: "take turns doing something". British English also uses "take it in turns to do something".
Common Mistakes
3. used in the fixed phrase "in turn" to mean each person or thing in a group follo
used in the fixed phrase "in turn" to mean each person or thing in a group follows the previous one in a planned order, without anyone being skipped
Each student stood up in turn and introduced themselves to the class.
in turn — sequence marker, one after another
The doctor asked each patient in turn about their sleep habits.
The three judges gave their scores in turn after the performance.
All candidates entered the room in turn and sat at the long table.
- in turn
- one by one
more informal, emphasises the individual action
- in sequence
more technical, used in formal or procedural contexts
Grammar Patterns
in turn — used as adverbial phrase
Usage Note
"In turn" is an adverbial phrase placed after the verb or at the end of a clause. It differs from "by turns" (alternating) and "in return" (as a response). Do not confuse with "in turn" meaning 'as a result' (a different, formal usage).
Common Mistakes
4. not following the correct or agreed order in a group situation, especially by sp
not following the correct or agreed order in a group situation, especially by speaking when it is not your turn according to the rules or social expectations
The teacher told the boy he was speaking out of turn.
speak out of turn — most common use
Sana realised she had answered out of turn when the others stared at her.
Please do not speak out of turn during the town hall meeting.
The student apologised for laughing out of turn during the ceremony.
- speak out of turn
- act out of turn
- prematurely
more formal, not limited to group-order contexts
- inappropriately
broader meaning, not specific to turn-taking
- in turn
following the correct order
Grammar Patterns
speak out of turn
act out of turn
Usage Note
Almost always used with the verb "speak". The phrase can also extend metaphorically to mean 'saying something inappropriate or revealing information you should not have shared.'
Common Mistakes
5. a complete circular movement of something around a fixed central point, such as
a complete circular movement of something around a fixed central point, such as a wheel turning or a person spinning around
The Earth makes one complete turn on its axis every twenty-four hours.
complete turn on its axis — full rotation
Give the handle another turn to lock the door securely.
give [something] a turn — one rotation of a handle
With each turn of the wheel, the cart moved forward a small distance.
Feng gave the key a firm turn and heard the lock click open.
- a turn of the wheel
- a turn of the screw
- give something a turn
- complete turn
- full turn
Grammar Patterns
a turn of [something]
give [something] a turn
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 6 (CHANGE IN DIRECTION): this sense describes a full rotation around a central point, not a change of path. "A turn of the screw" and "a turn of the wheel" are common mechanical collocations.
6. a movement that changes the direction you are travelling or facing, especially w
a movement that changes the direction you are travelling or facing, especially when walking, driving, or giving directions — for example, turning left or right at a street corner
The car made a sudden turn to avoid hitting a deer on the road.
make a sudden turn
Take the second turn on your left after the red brick church.
take the [ordinal] turn — giving directions
Valentina made a sharp turn and ran back towards the house.
The driver did not signal before making a turn at the traffic lights.
A wrong turn left Hamza and Lisa lost in the old part of the city.
wrong turn — common collocation
- make a turn
- take a turn
- sharp turn
- sudden turn
- wrong turn
- left turn
- right turn
- U-turn
- straight on
continuing without changing direction
Grammar Patterns
make a turn
take a turn
[adjective] turn
Usage Note
Frequently used in giving directions: "take the first / second turn". "Make a turn" is the most general verb collocation. "Sharp turn" and "sudden turn" describe the angle or speed of the change.
Common Mistakes
7. the moment or process when a vehicle, ship, or other moving thing begins to head
the moment or process when a vehicle, ship, or other moving thing begins to head towards a new direction
The captain felt the ship begin its slow turn towards the open sea.
possessive + turn (the ship's turn / its turn)
As the car reached the junction, its turn to the left was slow and careful.
Ziad watched the plane make a gentle turn toward the runway below.
collocation: make a turn
The cyclist's sudden turn into the side street startled the driver behind her.
- begin its turn
- make a turn
- on the turn
- slow turn
- sudden turn
- gentle turn
- straight line
movement without any change in direction
Usage Note
Often appears in the phrase 'on the turn', meaning that something has just started to change direction. The focus is on the beginning of the change, not the completed result.
Common Mistakes
8. a point or period when a situation, a person's health, or events start to improv
a point or period when a situation, a person's health, or events start to improve or get worse after being stable
After the rain stopped, the weather took a turn for the better.
fixed phrase: take a turn for the better / worse
Nikhil's health took an unexpected turn, and he stayed in hospital for a week.
The meeting took a difficult turn when the manager announced the job cuts.
collocation: take a [adjective] turn
Élise felt that things were on the turn when her business finally made a profit.
- take a turn for the better
- take a turn for the worse
- take an unexpected turn
- on the turn
- dramatic turn
- difficult turn
- stability
the state of staying the same, without any turn
Usage Note
Nearly always in the fixed phrase 'take a turn for the better/worse' or 'take a [adjective] turn'. The adjective describes the direction of change (difficult, unexpected, dramatic, serious).
Common Mistakes
9. the stage at which food or drink such as milk, fruit, fish, or cream begins to d
the stage at which food or drink such as milk, fruit, fish, or cream begins to decay and is no longer fresh enough to eat or drink
Felix poured the milk down the sink because it was on the turn.
fixed phrase: on the turn (for food decay)
The strawberries were already on the turn, so Ayana used them in a cake.
If the fish smells sour, it is on the turn and should not be eaten.
The cream started to go on the turn after sitting out of the fridge.
- on the turn
- go on the turn
- be on the turn
- going off
a more general British term for food becoming unfit to eat
- going sour
specifically for milk or dairy products
- fresh
food or drink that is still in good condition
Usage Note
This sense is used almost exclusively in the fixed phrase 'on the turn', which is more common in British English. It signals the early stage of decay, not completely rotten food.
10. a place where a road, river, path, or similar route bends and continues in a new
a place where a road, river, path, or similar route bends and continues in a new direction
The driver slowed down as she approached a sharp turn in the mountain road.
collocation: sharp turn
Talia and Hao walked beside the river until they reached a turn in the water.
There is a dangerous turn just past the old bridge where many accidents happen.
The path takes a sudden turn to the right behind the big oak tree.
collocation: take a turn (of a route)
- sharp turn
- sudden turn
- dangerous turn
- take a turn
- at the turn
- around the turn
- beyond the turn
- straight
a section of road or path with no bend
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 6 (CHANGE IN DIRECTION), which is the action of changing direction. Sense 10 refers to the physical place where the route changes — the bend itself, not the act of turning.
Common Mistakes
11. the moment during a golf match when players finish holes one through nine and pr
the moment during a golf match when players finish holes one through nine and prepare to play the remaining nine
After the turn, Esteban felt more confident and played better on the back nine.
golf terminology: the turn / front nine / back nine
The players stopped for a drink at the turn before continuing the round.
Lisa scored three under par on the front nine and was leading at the turn.
The coach met Tendai at the turn to give advice for the remaining holes.
- at the turn
- after the turn
- before the turn
- the front nine / back nine
- halfway point
a general term for the midpoint of any activity
Usage Note
This sense is specific to golf. The 'turn' is not a physical location on the course but rather the transition between the first and second halves of the round. Related terms are 'front nine' (holes 1-9) and 'back nine' (holes 10-18).
Common Mistakes
12. an unexpected direction or development in the way events, a conversation, or a s
an unexpected direction or development in the way events, a conversation, or a story unfolds
The investigation took an unexpected turn when a new witness came forward.
fixed phrase: take an unexpected / surprising / dramatic turn
Sirin's career took a surprising turn when she was offered a job in Tokyo.
The conversation took a serious turn when they started discussing family matters.
collocation: take a [adjective] turn
Events took a dramatic turn when the president announced her resignation live on television.
- take an unexpected turn
- take a surprising turn
- take a dramatic turn
- take a serious turn
- new turn
- interesting turn
- development
a more neutral term for any new event or change
- twist
suggests a surprising or clever change, especially in stories
- shift
a gradual or subtle change, less dramatic than a turn
- continuation
events staying on the same course without change
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 8 (TAKE A TURN). Sense 8 focuses on improvement or decline (better/worse), while sense 12 focuses on the nature or character of the development, often with an adjective describing the type of change (unexpected, surprising, dramatic, serious).
Common Mistakes
13. a sudden, dramatic reversal in the way events or a person's fortune unfold, comp
a sudden, dramatic reversal in the way events or a person's fortune unfold, completely changing the expected outcome.
Liam's luck took a dramatic turn after finding a rare stamp in an old book.
collocation: take a + adjective + turn
In a strange turn of events, the lost wallet was returned by a stranger.
collocation: turn of events
After the rain stopped, the game took a turn for the better.
The family's fortunes took a dramatic turn when the factory closed down.
- take a turn
- turn of events
- turn for the better
- turn for the worse
- dramatic turn
- unexpected turn
- shift
less dramatic than a turn; suggests a gradual change rather than sudden
- change of direction
more literal; turn is the idiomatic choice for situations
Grammar Patterns
a turn of events
take a turn for the better/worse
Usage Note
Commonly paired with take + adjective + turn (for the better/worse) or in phrases like turn of events. The adjective is essential to convey the direction of change.
Common Mistakes
14. A short performance given by one person or group as part of a show that includes
A short performance given by one person or group as part of a show that includes several different acts.
The comedian's turn at the club had everyone laughing until their sides hurt.
possessive noun + turn = someone's performance
Each singer performed a short turn before the main act began at eight.
Élise's song-and-dance turn earned her a standing ovation from the crowd.
The juggler's turn amazed the children with its speed and bright colours.
- do a turn
- perform a turn
- comedy turn
- song-and-dance turn
- star turn
Usage Note
Typically used for variety-show or cabaret-style acts. Not used for full-length plays or concerts. Often preceded by a possessive noun or adjective (my turn, her turn, the comedian's turn).
15. A short period during which someone experiences physical discomfort, such as fee
A short period during which someone experiences physical discomfort, such as feeling dizzy, sick, or suddenly very nervous or frightened.
Grandma had a dizzy turn and had to sit down on the garden bench.
adjective + turn = type of discomfort
The bad news gave Reema quite a turn, and her face went pale.
give [sb] a turn = shock or frighten
After standing in the hot sun too long, Sari felt a strange turn of faintness.
The doctor said it was just a mild turn of nerves and nothing serious.
- dizzy turn
- funny turn
- give someone a turn
- have a turn
- bad turn
Usage Note
Common in British English. The phrase 'give someone a turn' means to shock or frighten someone. The sense can refer to physical illness, emotional shock, or dizziness.
16. A musical ornament notated by a curled symbol placed over a written note, where
A musical ornament notated by a curled symbol placed over a written note, where the performer plays the main note together with its upper and lower neighbour notes in rapid succession.
The pianist played the turn so fast that the notes seemed to blend together.
The violinist added a turn at the end of the phrase for extra expression.
add/play a turn = perform the ornament
The music teacher showed Leo how to write a turn symbol above the quarter note.
In Baroque music, a turn often decorates a long note in a slow piece.
- play a turn
- add a turn
- write a turn
- inverted turn
- turn symbol
- ornament
broader category of decorative notes; a turn is one type of ornament
- appoggiatura
a different type of ornament that leans on a note rather than circling around it
Usage Note
A specialized term in music theory and performance. The symbol resembles a sideways 'S' or an infinity sign placed above the staff. An inverted turn plays the lower note first.
Common Mistakes
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: verb/3
Turn, swerve, veer, and divert all describe a change of direction, but with different nuances. Turn is the most general, everyday word — you can turn a corner, turn left, or turn your head. Swerve suggests a sudden, often involuntary, movement to avoid something (The driver swerved to miss the dog) and implies an abrupt break from a straight path. Veer is similar but suggests a wider, more gradual or drifting change, often used for vehicles, winds, or conversations (The path veers left near the river; The discussion veered off topic). Divert is more formal and usually transitive — someone or something is deliberately redirected (Traffic was diverted around the accident site). For everyday direction changes, turn is the safest choice; swerve and veer add a sense of urgency or lack of control, while divert is better for official or organised re-routing.
Common collocations
Etymology
Turn entered English from Old English tyrnan/turnian, which came through French from Latin tornare ('to turn on a lathe'). The Latin root tornus ('lathe') goes back to Greek tornos ('tool for drawing a circle'). The original physical sense of rotating on a lathe broadened over time to cover all kinds of rotation, change of direction, and change of state.