U-turn

American  

[yoo-turn] / ˈjuˌtɜrn /

noun

• U-turns
  plural

1. a U -shaped turn made by a vehicle so as to head in the opposite direction from its original course.

2. a reversal of policy, tactics, or the like, resembling such a maneuver.

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verb (used without object)

1. to execute a U-turn.

   to U-turn into oncoming traffic.

U-turn British  

noun

1. a turn made by a vehicle in the shape of a U, resulting in a reversal of direction

2. a complete change in direction of political or other policy

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• U-turns
  plural

Etymology

Origin of U-turn

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

U-turn U-turns

MPs on the Treasury Committee called for a U-turn on that decision as part of a series of recommendations after an inquiry this summer.

From BBC ● Sep. 12, 2026

They made a U-turn after hearing someone yell Tupac’s name and seeing the BMW he was traveling in.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 1, 2026

And while the option of an extension cannot be completely discounted, it seems inconceivable that Mateta would perform a U-turn now given the lengths he has gone to to prove his current one is invalid.

From BBC ● Aug. 24, 2026

Within weeks Masino pulled a U-turn, dumping the new logo, dropping the marketing firm behind it and pausing restaurant remodels, bringing back proven sellers like campfire meals and ham dinners.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 12, 2026

Bernabe negotiated a tight U-turn, paused to let a two-ton flatbed, piled high with hay bales from Colorado, zoom down the highway, then crossed the road and pulled over slightly ahead of Amarante.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols

In Delhi, many mid-block crossings have been replaced by U-turns to reduce stoppages, forcing pedestrians onto foot overbridges.

From BBC ● Aug. 6, 2026

Starmer won a landslide general election victory two years ago - but he began losing public support within weeks of arriving in Downing Street after a series of polcy mis-steps and U-turns.

From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026

Starmer, under pressure for months over policy U-turns and questions about his judgement, announced on June 22 that he was resigning after losing the support of Labour MPs.

From Barron's ● Jul. 9, 2026

Iran reiterated its position that vessels must inform Tehran before crossing, while transits through Hormuz dipped and tankers made abrupt U-turns.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026

With every step, frantic golden arrows appeared beneath his feet, bending into U-turns on the floor.

From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova

Related Words

• change of mind
• reversal
• turnaround