U-turn
Americannoun
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a U -shaped turn made by a vehicle so as to head in the opposite direction from its original course.
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a reversal of policy, tactics, or the like, resembling such a maneuver.
verb (used without object)
noun
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a turn made by a vehicle in the shape of a U, resulting in a reversal of direction
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a complete change in direction of political or other policy
Etymology
Origin of U-turn
First recorded in 1925–30
Vocabulary lists containing u-turn
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.
Investors’ U-turn from last week, when the AI trade sent major stock indexes to records, signaled a stark reality taking hold: While Washington pursues peace talks, the worst oil-supply disruption in history isn’t over.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026
Los Angeles police officers were patrolling the park around 10: 20 p.m. on May 5 when they spotted Johnson abruptly conduct a U-turn in front of them, according to an affidavit filed with the complaint.
From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026
Belgium is one of a number of European countries revising their nuclear strategy, making a complete U-turn after years of reluctance about investing in nuclear energy.
From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026
A Chinese tanker under sanctions with a history of evading U.S. restrictions on Iranian oil appeared to do a U-turn to sail back into the Persian Gulf after trying to exit through the strait.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026
Harriet pedaled away, then did a sharp U-turn.
From "Caterpillar Summer" by Gillian McDunn
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.
