turnout
Americannoun
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the gathering of persons who come to an exhibition, party, spectacle, or the like.
They had a large turnout at the meeting.
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quantity of production; output.
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an act of turning out.
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the manner or style in which a person or thing is equipped, dressed, etc.
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equipment; outfit.
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a short side track, space, spur, etc., that enables trains, automobiles, etc., to pass one another or park.
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Ballet. the turning out of the legs from the hips, with the feet back to back or heel to heel.
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Railroads. a track structure composed of a switch, a frog, and closure rails, permitting a train to leave a given track for a branching or parallel track.
Etymology
Origin of turnout
First recorded in 1680–90; noun use of verb phrase turn out
Explanation
Turnout means the total number of people who show up to vote or gather for an event. The success of democratic elections depends on voter turnout — how many people actually get out and vote. Voter turnout is crucial in an election, but turnout is not always about politics. When ballet dancers talk about turnout, they're referring to their ability to rotate their legs outward from the hips down to the toes. A turnout is also a place in the road where cars can turn around.
Vocabulary lists containing turnout
"Stone Fox" by John Reynolds Gardiner
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U.S. Government - Introductory
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Dance - Introductory
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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.
In general, turnout in L.A. tends to be fairly low in primary elections, especially in Latino communities, Barreto said, so candidates vying for their vote need sustained outreach in Latino neighborhoods.
From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026
“You might have a historic turnout of Latinos ... in L.A. because of the energy in that race,” said Michael Trujillo, a Democratic strategist who is supporting Villaraigosa.
From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026
Researchers warn that AI deepfakes -- used to target global leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky -- can influence voter turnout and distort geopolitical events.
From Barron's • May 10, 2026
An informal indicative ballot held already this year, with a turnout of 48.6%, suggested 90.5% of teachers who are members of the NEU would be prepared to take industrial action over pay.
From BBC • May 9, 2026
But if Link’s name can bring a decent turnout to this very important meeting, then it’s worth it.
From "Linked" by Gordon Korman
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.
