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turn
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/tɜrn/ 
| singular | turn |
| plural | turns |
- 1someone’s turn is the time when they can or must do something, because they are with other people who are each doing the same activity one after the other
You’ve already moved your piece – it’s my turn now.
someone’s turn to do something:I’m sure it’s your turn to wash the dishes.
wait your turn (=be patient until it is your turn):You’ll just have to wait your turn like everyone else.
take a turn (at) doing something:Would you like me to take a turn carrying the suitcase?
- 4a change in a situation
The argument over drugs in athletics took an unexpected turn yesterday.
take a turn for the better/worse (=become better/worse):The weather suddenly took a turn for the worse.
The spokesman said the situation in Sarajevo had taken a dramatic turn for the better.
turn of events (=an unexpected change in a situation):We wanted to express our shock at today’s tragic turn of events.
phrases
at every turn
by turns
done/cooked to a turn
a good/bad turn
in turn
on the turn
Britishspeak/talk out of turn
take turns
the turn of the century
turn of mind
a particular way of thinkingShe has a very practical turn of mind.
turn of phrase
This is the American English definition of turn. View British English definition of turn.
Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to British English.
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