U-turn

[ yoo-turn ]

noun

a U-shaped turn made by a vehicle so as to head in the opposite direction from its original course.
a reversal of policy, tactics, or the like, resembling such a maneuver.

verb (used without object)

to execute a U-turn: to U-turn into oncoming traffic.

Origin of U-turn

First recorded in 1925–30

Words Nearby U-turn

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use U-turn in a sentence

Following this supposed U-turn on his political beliefs, Darakhshan went back to Iran in October 2008.
Iran’s Blogfather Walks Free After Six Years in Jail | IranWire | November 21, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
She was naked in Money Train and U-turn, the Oliver Stone movie.
The Movie Nudity Maestro: Jim McBride on 15 Years of Mr. Skin and That Scarlett Johansson Scene | Marlow Stern | August 9, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
They pulled the elegant wagon on a slow pace along for a block and then made a U-turn beneath the Palmetto overpass.
Mardi Gras Indian Chief Larry Bannock’s Final Ride | Jason Berry | May 16, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Riahi did a U-turn in the driveway and parked on the roadside.
A Woman Blogger’s Scoop Helped Save Tunisia From Islamists | Thomas A. Bass | April 6, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Asaro climbed into the passenger seat of that car, which then cruised past the FBI dig on Liberty Avenue and made a U-turn.
A Goodfellas Sequel: A True-Life Lufthansa Figure Comes to Court | Michael Daly | January 24, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST

They exchanged so-longs, and Kavaalen backed, and made a U-turn, moving off in the direction of Rosemont.
Murder in the Gunroom | Henry Beam Piper
Watch for stop signs and street signals; no U-turn on through streets; turns in either direction at intersections.
North Dakota | Various
No U-turn on through streets and no left turns out of alleys.
North Dakota | Various
The two dogs streaked back to their cart and the driver made a U turn that brought him up beside Joe's wagon.
The Lost Wagon | James Arthur Kjelgaard
He twisted the car into the traffic again, and with a swift U-turn, headed the coupe toward home.
Queen of the Flaming Diamond | Leroy Yerxa

British Dictionary definitions for U-turn

U-turn

noun

a turn made by a vehicle in the shape of a U, resulting in a reversal of direction
a complete change in direction of political or other policy

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

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