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• turner
  turner

  noun

  a person or thing that turns or is employed in turning.
• Turner
  Turner

  noun

  Frederick Jackson, 1861–1932, U.S. historian.

turner

¹ American  

[tur-ner] / ˈtɜr nər /

noun

1. a person or thing that turns or is employed in turning.

2. a person who fashions or shapes objects on a lathe.

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turner ² American  

[tur-ner, toor-] / ˈtɜr nər, ˈtʊər- /

noun

1. a member of a turnverein; tumbler or gymnast.

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Turner ³ American  

[tur-ner] / ˈtɜr nər /

noun

1. Frederick Jackson, 1861–1932, U.S. historian.

2. Joseph Mallord William, 1775–1851, English painter.

3. Joseph Vernon Big Joe, 1911–85, U.S. jazz and blues singer.

4. Nat, 1800–31, enslaved African American leader: led uprising of enslaved and free Black people in Southampton County, Virginia, 1831.

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Turner ¹ British  

/ ˈtɜːnə /

noun

1. Jane . born 1961, Australian television actress and writer, best known for playing 'Kath' in the comedy series Kath & Kim (2002–2007)

2. J ( oseph ) M ( allord ) W ( illiam ). 1775–1851, British landscape painter; a master of water colours. He sought to convey atmosphere by means of an innovative use of colour and gradations of light

3. Nat . 1800–31, US rebel slave, who led (1831) Turner's Insurrection, the only major slave revolt in US history: executed

4. Robert Edward III, known as Ted. born 1938, US broadcasting executive and yachtsman; chairman of Turner Broadcasting (1970–96), founder of Cable News Network (1980), and vice-chairman of Time Warner (1996–2003)

5. Tina , real name Annie Mae Bullock . born 1940, US rock singer who performed (1958–75) with her then husband Ike Turner (1931–2007) and later as a solo act. Her recordings include "River Deep, Mountain High" (1966) and "Simply the Best" (1991)

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turner ² British  

/ ˈtɜːnə /

noun

1. a person or thing that turns, esp a person who operates a lathe

2. a member of a society of gymnasts

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Etymology

Origin of turner¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at turn, -er ¹

Origin of turner²

1850–55; < German Turner gymnast, derivative of turnen to exercise < French tourner to turn; see -er ¹

Example Sentences

Trotsky’s fate may be well known, yet the final chapters of Mr. Ireland’s book should no more be spoiled than should a gripping page turner.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

Bavuma, who has an unbeaten record as Test captain in 11 outings -- winning 10 and drawing one -- said the pitch "looks a lot better" from the turner with inconsistent bounce in Kolkata.

From Barron's • Nov. 22, 2025

Sajak’s co-host and letter turner Vanna White paid an emotional tribute to her partner on Thursday’s episode, calling him “like a brother” and a “true lifelong friend.”

From Seattle Times • Jun. 6, 2024

Imagine Lancashire preparing a turner when James Anderson is available and the Manchester clouds are more moody than a £9 note.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2024

The one Jessie loved the most was the cartoon demonstrating a sheet music turner.

From "The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" by Karina Yan Glaser