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

Add fresh turnip greens, reduce heat and simmer, covered, 20 minutes or until tender; drain. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 2024

The star ingredient is Italian turnip extract, which helps lift hair from the roots for that enviable volume. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Oct. 2024

Rutabaga Rutabaga, which is a cross between a cabbage and a turnip, is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins like niacin and thiamin. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 Oct. 2024

Dishes like roasted turnip with alpine labneh and cream of chick pea soup with lime and olive oil are delicious and surprisingly filling. —Ann Lee, theweek, 5 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