U-turn
Americannoun
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a U -shaped turn made by a vehicle so as to head in the opposite direction from its original course.
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a reversal of policy, tactics, or the like, resembling such a maneuver.
verb (used without object)
noun
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a turn made by a vehicle in the shape of a U, resulting in a reversal of direction
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a complete change in direction of political or other policy
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of U-turn
First recorded in 1925–30
Vocabulary lists containing u-turn
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.
See Examples For:
This year’s Red Sox can only hope their U-turn under Chad Tracy mirrors his dad’s.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026
The mood was also lifted by strong Wall Street earnings, while US President Donald Trump's U-turn on threats to impose levies on cargo through the Strait of Hormuz provided a little support.
From Barron's ● Jul. 15, 2026
In Araujo’s case, surveillance video shows a white van being followed by two SUVs, making a U-turn, and pulling over, but doesn’t seem to have captured the fatal shot.
From Slate ● Jul. 8, 2026
But, just as it seemed as if it was going to be a case of waiting for the kick-off change to be confirmed, reports emerged from Mexico media that Fifa was now considering a U-turn.
From BBC ● Jul. 4, 2026
Cars creep up to the intersection and the driver will see the party blocking their way and shrug and make a U-turn.
From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah
Ship-tracking data shows at least eight ships bound for the Red Sea have made U-turns instead of entering the Bab al-Mandab Strait from the south as well.
From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026
He announced that he would resign as prime minister and Labour Party leader in June after a string of scandals, missteps and policy U-turns blighted his leadership.
From Barron's ● Jul. 20, 2026
Tankers that were about to cross the strait have made abrupt U-turns in response to the Iranian threat, data provider Kpler said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026
There have been more than a dozen big U-turns.
From BBC ● Jun. 20, 2026
With every step, frantic golden arrows appeared beneath his feet, bending into U-turns on the floor.
From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova
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.
