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

Each of the two turrets houses an en-suite bathroom connected to an adjoining bedroom. —Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 28 Sep. 2024

Lined with wood paneling, the office is located in one of the home’s turrets and has sweeping water vistas. —Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 2024

The hotel exterior is breathtaking and surreal, with sandy-hued domes of different sizes and castle-style turrets dotting the bright blue sky. —Claudia Fisher, Travel + Leisure, 24 July 2024

In another example from August, a T-90M with similar protection is destroyed by an FPV hitting a vulnerable spot under the turret. —David Hambling, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024

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

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