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 embossed crosses on multiple turrets present a towering fortress with absolute castle stature.

From Literature

When traitor Hugo was banished, the secret traitor took his place in the turret - and when they pulled back their red hood, it was Fiona underneath.

From BBC

Friday's episode opened with a tense confrontation in the turret between the pair, something which the local government officer said she didn't anticipate.

From BBC

In Friday's episode, the row continued in the turret, with Rachel accusing Fiona of "throwing a grenade" into the team of traitors, while Fiona accused her of "playing a game" for herself.

From BBC

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

Related Words

• minaret
• spire
• steeple