1
: a little tower
specifically : an ornamental structure at an angle of a larger structure
2
a(1)
: a revolving armored structure on a warship that protects one or more guns mounted within it
(2)
: a similar upper structure usually for one gun on a tank
(3)
: a gunner's fixed or movable enclosure in an airplane
b
: a tall building usually moved on wheels and formerly used for carrying soldiers and equipment for breaching or scaling a wall
3
a
: a pivoted and revolvable holder in a machine tool
b
: a device (as on a microscope or a television camera) holding several lenses

Examples of turret in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As opposed to mounting the weapon on a turret, it was reportedly attached directly to the Almaz station itself. — Micah Hanks, Space.com, 9 Oct. 2026 The standout among the entertaining spaces is the baby-blue kitchen, which extends from the rear of the home into a rounded turret overlooking a ravine. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2026 Construction started on a sandcastle with a 10-story turret that would house the world’s largest Wendy’s restaurant, as well as a 500-room high-rise hotel to be called the Heritage Grand Towers. — Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2026 Los Feliz’s Shakespeare Bridge, a 262-foot span with Gothic-style arches and eight distinctive turrets, is approaching its 100th anniversary. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for turret

Word History

Etymology

Middle English touret, from Anglo-French turette, tourette, diminutive of tur, tour tower — more at tower

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of turret was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Turret.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turret. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: a little tower often at a corner of a building
2
: a low usually rotating structure (as in a tank, warship, or airplane) in which guns are mounted
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