turret

noun

tur·​ret ˈtər-ət 

ˈtə-rət,

ˈtu̇r-ət 

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

Mid-match progression looks abundant, with upgradeable ship guns, turrets, personal weapons, traps, and a plethora of other goodies to discover and wield to terrifying effect. —Alan Bradley, Space.com, 5 Apr. 2025

The turret, modeled after the in-game characters, lights up and plays signature sound bites from the game, whenever motion is detected nearby. —Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025

Plus, there’s a special bedroom in the tower turret that the newlyweds can retreat to after the reception has died down. —Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 21 Mar. 2025

Though it was fitted with laser cannons and defensive turrets, this Old Republic design was meant more for agility and speed. —Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 21 Jan. 2025

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

Rhymes for turret

• urate

Kids Definition

turret

noun

tur·​ret ˈtər-ət  ˈtə-rət 

tu̇r-ət

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