turnkey

American  

[turn-kee] / ˈtɜrnˌki /

noun

turnkeys plural

1. a person who has charge of the keys of a prison; jailer.

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adjective

1. Also turn-key of, relating to, or resulting from an arrangement under which a private contractor designs and constructs a project, building, etc., for sale when completely ready for occupancy or operation.

   turn-key housing, turnkey contract.

2. fully equipped; ready to go into operation.

   a turnkey business.

turnkey British  

/ ˈtɜːnˌkiː /

noun

1. archaic a keeper of the keys, esp in a prison; warder or jailer

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adjective

1. denoting a project, as in civil engineering, in which a single contractor has responsibility for the complete job from the start to the time of installation or occupancy

Etymology

Origin of turnkey

First recorded in 1645–55; turn + key ¹

Example Sentences

“We have a legitimate comp next door that allows us to say, ‘Here’s what a turnkey house is worth.’

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

It aims to be a turnkey partner for clinics that don’t offer home infusions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 7, 2026

Homeowners using the portal can match their address to home choices that include pre-designed turnkey residences at costs equal to or below average insurance proceeds, Horne said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2025

Ramirez isn’t expecting rates to drop soon and thinks buying when they did reduced the likelihood of bidding wars on their turnkey, four-bedroom house with a swimming pool and mountain view.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 6, 2024

The medal did its work, for both the turnkey and the jailer were also ‘Sons.’Johnny was given a neat, private room on the ground floor.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes