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 var. rapa) 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

Layer one-third of turnip slices in prepared baking dish, overlapping slices; sprinkle evenly with 1/3 cup of the Gruyère, and drizzle evenly with 1/3 cup of the cream mixture. —Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2024

Come for the photos, stay for the yellow pickled turnip recipe. —Christine Ro, Longreads, 17 Sep. 2024

Soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, fish sauce, and sriracha make a amazing marinade for the steak, while turnip greens add delicious heartiness. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2024

Cruciferous veggies, named for the four petals on their flowers that make the shape of a cross, include things like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, arugula, bok choy, kale, radish, and turnips. —New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

tur-, perhaps from turn entry 1 (in the sense "shape into a rounded form by means of a lathe") + nip, reduced form of neep

Note: The word is first attested in the plural turnepez in a list of root vegetables appended to a collection of recipes (MS. British Library Sloane 1201; see Alicia Amherst, A History of Gardening in England, 3rd edition, New York, 1910, p. 68); the Middle English Dictionary dates it "about 1500." Compare parsnip.

First Known Use

1537, 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