well-turned

[ wel-turnd ]

adjective

1. gracefully shaped:

   a well-turned ankle.

2. gracefully and concisely expressed:

   a well-turned phrase.

well-turned

adjective

1. (of a phrase, speech, etc) apt and pleasingly sonorous
2. having a pleasing shape

   a well-turned leg

Word History and Origins

Origin of well-turned¹

First recorded in 1610–20

Example Sentences

She was perfectly composed, occasionally flashing a wry smile and speaking in thoughtful, well-turned phrases.

From The Daily Beast

So how weird is it to see something you know so well turned into fiction?

From The Daily Beast

I fancy it was pretty well turned, and that made the wrench during the small hours the more severe.

From Project Gutenberg

His staff were by no means so well turned out, but the few hussars of the escort were stout, soldierlike-looking fellows.

From Project Gutenberg

Once double-plowed, or thoroughly subsoiled, and well turned over, is better than more.

From Project Gutenberg

The supporting base consists of four exquisitely turned columns, braced at bottom with correspondingly well-turned crossbars.

From Project Gutenberg

The songs were numerous and well-turned, and certain details of the travestie were ingenious.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• comely
• curvaceous
• elegant
• graceful
• pleasing
• rounded