turndown

1 of 3

noun

turn·​down ˈtərn-ˌdau̇n 

1

: something turned down

also : an instance of turning something (such as a bed sheet) down

hotel turndown service

2

: rejection

3

: downturn

turndown

2 of 3

adjective

turn·​down ˈtərn-ˈdau̇n 

: capable of being turned down

especially : worn turned down

a turndown collar

turn down

3 of 3

verb

turned down; turning down; turns down

transitive verb

1

: to reduce the height or intensity of by turning a control

turn down the radio

2

: to fold or double down

3

: to decline to accept : reject

turned down the offer

4

: to turn (a card) face downward

intransitive verb

: to be capable of being folded or doubled down

the collar turns down

Synonyms

Noun

• declination
• denial
• disallowance
• nay
• no
• nonacceptance
• refusal
• rejection

Verb

• balk (at)
• decline
• deselect
• disapprove
• negative
• nix
• pass
• pass up
• refuse
• reject
• reprobate
• repudiate
• spurn
• throw out
• throw over

Examples of turndown in a Sentence

Noun

the request to use the restroom was just a formality—I really didn't expect a turndown

Verb

I'm afraid that I will have to turn down your invitation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The attention to detail at this hotel is off the charts—expect to have a copy of the newspaper and coffee (with your creamer of choice) at your door first thing in the morning, and a CBD/melatonin edible and tea at turndown service. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 7 Dec. 2024

With most parts of the muni bond market pretty strong from a credit perspective, Norton is trying to find yield that can also be resilient in an economic turndown. —Michelle Fox, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2024

Adjective

Every morning, a staff member delivers fresh coffee or hot tea to your door, and there's nightly turndown service as well. —Tomeka Jones, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2024

Visiting pets are offered a bed, nature videos to watch in the guest room, a welcome treat, and a turndown bone/treat at night. —Chip Bell, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024

Verb

Under Zaidi, the Giants were turned down by such high-profile players as Bryce Harper, Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani despite making competitive offers. —Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 22 Dec. 2024

In 2022, Cruz turned down offers in Mexico to make one last run at the big leagues, finally signing a minor-league deal with the Reds. —C. Trent Rosecrans, The Athletic, 21 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1763, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1533, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Kids Definition

turn down

verb

1

: to fold back or down

2

: to lower by turning a control

turn down the heat

3

: reject entry 1 sense 1

turned down the job