turnkey

American  

[turn-kee] / ˈtɜrnˌki /

noun

plural

turnkeys

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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 7, 2026

As a result, “the home is the epitome of turnkey luxury,” the listing notes.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 14, 2025

The report further recommends launching a consortium of builders that could offer turnkey rebuilding solutions to property owners who prefer not to undertake the rebuilding on their own.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2025

The simplicity of the "all in one" microcomb laser results in lower power demands, lower costs, high tunability, and a turnkey operation.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2024

Each time the turnkey brought him water, he told himself another day had passed.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin