turnkey

[ turn-kee ]

/ ˈtɜrnˌki /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for turnkey on Thesaurus.com

noun, plural turn·keys.

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

adjective

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.

fully equipped; ready to go into operation: a turnkey business.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of turnkey

First recorded in 1645–55; turn + key¹

Words nearby turnkey

turn in one's grave, turnip, turnip cabbage, turnip moth, turnip-rooted celery, turnkey, turnkey project, turnkey system, turnoff, turn of phrase, turn of the century

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use turnkey in a sentence

Powell and several other agencies are among about 50 customers of a company called Green Places, which is helping small businesses develop turnkey carbon-neutral solutions.
Media Buying Briefing: ‘Accountability is just going to spread’: Agencies agree carbon-neutral goals are a must|Michael Bürgi|September 20, 2021|Digiday
If you’re looking to build your own camper and you’re on a budget, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better or simpler turnkey solution.
The Best Gear at Overland Expo Mountain West, from Tool Rolls to Shower Wipes|jeremyr|September 19, 2021|Outside Online
The turnkey nature of Backcountry Discovery maps makes using them almost absurdly easy.
Everything You Need to Get Started Overlanding|Wes Siler|May 31, 2021|Outside Online
The latter will use 2D and 3D technology to place a brand’s product or logo in the program — as a result, it is “pretty turnkey,” she said.
Future of TV Briefing: What Discovery-WarnerMedia signals about the streaming wars|Tim Peterson|May 19, 2021|Digiday

Using existing layouts of the different rooms, it created multiple photo and video rigs, mock living spaces and other turnkey production setups that could be easily modified to suit various content and production needs.
Nap rooms, art installations and community farms: Companies have varied plans for spare office space|Jessica Davies|March 30, 2021|Digiday
Silently the turnkey passes the cell, like a flitting mystery casting its shadow athwart a troubled soul.
Prison Memoirs of an Anarchist|Alexander Berkman
"Wery probable," says the turnkey, smoking his pipe wery fierce, and making believe he warn't up to wot the little man wanted.
The Pickwick Papers|Charles Dickens
He had not many visitors, and his only attendant was a prisoner, who was appointed for that purpose by the turnkey.
The Chronicles of Crime or The New Newgate Calendar. v. 1/2|Camden Pelham
The turnkey withdrew to a discreet distance, where he remained within call, yet beyond the range of ordinary conversation.
Under the Rose|Frederic Stewart Isham
Breathless, exhausted, the free baron marked the conflict now transferred to the turnkey and the jester.
Under the Rose|Frederic Stewart Isham

British Dictionary definitions for turnkey

turnkey

/ (ˈtɜːnˌkiː) /

noun

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

adjective

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

turnkey

Origin of turnkey

Words nearby turnkey

Words related to turnkey

How to use turnkey in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for turnkey