turret

American  

[tur-it, tuhr-] / ˈtɜr ɪt, ˈtʌr- /

noun

1. a small tower, usually one forming part of a larger structure.

2. a small tower at an angle of a building, as of a castle or fortress, frequently beginning some distance above the ground.

3. Also called turrethead.  a pivoted attachment on a lathe or the like for holding a number of tools, each of which can be presented to the work in rapid succession by a simple rotating movement.

4. Military. a domelike, sometimes heavily armored structure, usually revolving horizontally, within which guns are mounted, as on a fortification, ship, or aircraft.

5. Fortification. a tall structure, usually moved on wheels, formerly employed in breaching or scaling a fortified place, a wall, or the like.

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turret British  

/ ˈtʌrɪt /

noun

1. a small tower that projects from the wall of a building, esp a medieval castle

2. 1. a self-contained structure, capable of rotation, in which weapons are mounted, esp in tanks and warships

   2. a similar structure on an aircraft that houses one or more guns and sometimes a gunner

3. a tall wooden tower on wheels used formerly by besiegers to scale the walls of a fortress

4. (on a machine tool) a turret-like steel structure with tools projecting radially that can be indexed round to select or to bring each tool to bear on the work

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Other Word Forms

• turretless adjective

Etymology

Origin of turret

1300–50; Middle English turet < Middle French turete, equivalent to tur tower ¹ + -ete -et

Example Sentences

The identity of the "secret traitor" has been revealed on the latest episode of The Traitors, with Fiona joining Stephen and Rachel in the castle turret.

From BBC

The robot is small enough to squeeze into a bicycle lane and looks like a mini tank without a turret.

From BBC

Inspired by cinema setpieces and centuries-old European cottages, architects designed playful homes with turrets and gables on the outside and nooks and crannies on the inside.

From Los Angeles Times

Since then, vital sections of the Monitor, most notably its revolving turret, have been brought to the surface.

From Literature

Complete with a turret and a wraparound balcony, it has been used as a hunting lodge and a place to take afternoon tea.

From BBC

Related Words

• minaret
• spire
• steeple