turnstile

[ turn-stahyl ]
See synonyms for turnstile on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. a structure of four horizontally revolving arms pivoted atop a post and set in a gateway or opening in a fence to allow the controlled passage of people.

  2. a similar device set up in an entrance to bar passage until a charge is paid, to record the number of persons passing through, etc.

Origin of turnstile

1
First recorded in 1635–45; turn + stile1

Words Nearby turnstile

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use turnstile in a sentence

  • Unfortunately Lauren is watching this entire scene wedged in the turnstile by the Maclaren.

    Real Moms of New York | Laura Bennett | March 15, 2009 | THE DAILY BEAST
  • He jumps out, goes through the turnstile, and enters the next train as it pulls into the station.

    Real Moms of New York | Laura Bennett | March 15, 2009 | THE DAILY BEAST
  • We were approaching the corner of Great turnstile again, but I don't think she noticed it.

  • The old gentleman now took him by the arm, and led him more into the shade of the bridge—a few paces back from the turnstile.

  • For large entrances, notably for hotels and banks, a form of door working on the turnstile principle is frequently adopted.

  • Kim clicked round the self-registering turnstile; the old man followed and halted amazed.

    Kim | Rudyard Kipling
  • The rest was lost in the clicking of the turnstile that let him through.

    The Syndic | C.M. Kornbluth

British Dictionary definitions for turnstile

turnstile

/ (ˈtɜːnˌstaɪl) /


noun
  1. a mechanical gate or barrier with metal arms that are turned to admit one person at a time, usually in one direction only

  2. any similar device that admits foot passengers but no large animals or vehicles

  1. Also called: gatepost logic a symbol of the form ̃⊢, ⊨, or ⊩, used to represent logical consequence when inserted between expressions to form a sequent, or when prefixed to a single expression to indicate its status as a theorem

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