turnstile
Americannoun
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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.
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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.
noun
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a mechanical gate or barrier with metal arms that are turned to admit one person at a time, usually in one direction only
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any similar device that admits foot passengers but no large animals or vehicles
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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
Etymology
Origin of turnstile
Explanation
A gate that only lets one person at a time pass through is a turnstile. After you swipe your subway card, you can move through the turnstile into the station. Turnstiles are used to control and restrict people who are entering an area like a train station or office building. Many turnstiles are used in places where an entry fee is required. Two people can't fit through a turnstile at once, so they are also used to keep an accurate count of how many people pass through. The earliest turnstiles were used by shepherds, allowing them to exit a pen while keeping sheep inside.
Vocabulary lists containing turnstile
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
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This Week in Words: Current Events Vocabulary for June 3–June 9, 2023
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Some Places More Than Others
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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.
A transit porter and motorman with the New York City subway in the 1980s, Mr. Naiden was active in a tiny communist cell within the union, endorsing free fares and encouraging turnstile hopping.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026
Around a corner, the border came into full view — a metal turnstile with layers of concertina wire above it.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 30, 2025
Michael added: "We're always looking for turnstile staff, so it became one of those things... it has always been part of our lives and really good fun."
From BBC • Feb. 1, 2025
Despite the advancements in technology, the turnstile operation itself, however, has largely remained the same.
From BBC • Feb. 1, 2025
But it was more like a habit now, like swiping a MetroCard through a subway turnstile.
From "Auggie & Me" by R. J. Palacio
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.
