What does turf mean?
Turf most commonly means grass-covered ground, particularly the grass surface of a sports field. In British English, “the turf” is often used simply to mean the playing field, while American speakers more frequently say “field.” The word can also refer to a piece of grass and the soil beneath it, or to artificial grass used on sports grounds. In figurative use, turf means a territory or area of activity over which a person or group claims control, as in “turf war” or “a competitor’s turf.” As a verb, turf means to cover an area with grass or turf, while an informal figurative use means to take over or occupy territory. The word has old Germanic roots and appears in Old English, with close parallels in Old Norse, Dutch, and German. Turf is especially useful for showing how a literal landscape term can develop into a metaphor for control, competition, and belonging.
Grass-covered ground, especially the surface of a playing field; by extension, a territory or area of activity controlled or contested by a group.
"The players struggled to keep their footing on the muddy turf."
To cover an area with turf or grass; informally, to take over or establish control within a particular territory.
"The groundskeeper turfed the bare patches beside the pathway."
The plural is relatively uncommon because turf is usually treated as an uncountable noun. It is used when referring to separate sections or pieces of turf.
"Several fresh turfs were laid over the damaged areas of the field."
From literal ground cover to figurative territory, turf has covered everything from football fields to business battles.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does turf come from?
The English word appears in Old English and is closely associated with Old Norse torf, meaning earth, soil, or sod. Its relatives include Dutch turf and German Torf, both referring to turf or peat-like earth. These forms belong to a Germanic word family associated with the ground material and vegetation beneath one's feet.
Related word forms
How turf is actually used
In British English, “the turf” is a common way to refer to a sports field; in American English, “field” is often more usual. “Turf war” is an informal or business metaphor for a dispute over territory. “Turf” is normally used as an uncountable noun when referring to grass generally, although “a turf” and “turfs” can refer to individual sections or pieces.