turnip

noun

tur·​nip ˈtər-nəp 

1

a

: either of two biennial herbs of the mustard family with thick edible roots:

(1)

: one (Brassica rapa rapifera) with globular often flattened roots and leaves that are cooked as a vegetable

(2)

: rutabaga

b

: the root of a turnip

2

: a large pocket watch

Examples of turnip in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Segments of oro blanco were arranged like an intricate puzzle with wedges of ripe avocado and rounds of golden turnip dressed with juice from the fruit and good olive oil. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2024

Sow cilantro, parsley, beets, carrot, turnip and radish seeds directly into the soil. —Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English turnepe, probably from turnen to turn + nepe neep; from the well-rounded root

First Known Use

1539, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

turnip

noun

tur·​nip ˈtər-nəp 

1

: either of two herbs related to cabbage with thick edible roots:

a

: one with usually white roundish roots and leaves that are cooked as a vegetable when young and tender

b

: rutabaga

2

: the root of a turnip