turnout
Americannoun
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the gathering of persons who come to an exhibition, party, spectacle, or the like.
They had a large turnout at the meeting.
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quantity of production; output.
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an act of turning out.
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the manner or style in which a person or thing is equipped, dressed, etc.
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equipment; outfit.
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a short side track, space, spur, etc., that enables trains, automobiles, etc., to pass one another or park.
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Ballet. the turning out of the legs from the hips, with the feet back to back or heel to heel.
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Railroads. a track structure composed of a switch, a frog, and closure rails, permitting a train to leave a given track for a branching or parallel track.
Etymology
Origin of turnout
First recorded in 1680–90; noun use of verb phrase turn out
Explanation
Turnout means the total number of people who show up to vote or gather for an event. The success of democratic elections depends on voter turnout — how many people actually get out and vote. Voter turnout is crucial in an election, but turnout is not always about politics. When ballet dancers talk about turnout, they're referring to their ability to rotate their legs outward from the hips down to the toes. A turnout is also a place in the road where cars can turn around.
Vocabulary lists containing turnout
"Stone Fox" by John Reynolds Gardiner
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U.S. Government - Introductory
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Dance - Introductory
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Turnout will be a crucial factor after a lacklustre campaign hit by voter apathy.
From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026
Turnout has ticked upward from its nadir in the 1990s, but around one in every three Americans never vote in presidential elections.
From Salon • Feb. 4, 2026
Turnout was 56.11%, higher than in the last election, according to the country’s Independent High Electoral Commission.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 13, 2025
Turnout will likely be the deciding factor for Sherrill, said Dworkin.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 27, 2025
For thirteen wintry days we lay at Lindsay's Turnout, with no rations except a meager dole of cornmeal.
From Recollections of a Varied Life by Eggleston, George Cary
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
