What does turner mean?
Turner is a noun with several related uses. Its best-known meaning is an occupational term for someone who operates a lathe, a machine that rotates wood, metal, plastic, or another material while a cutting tool shapes it. The word can also refer more generally to a person whose task is to turn or rotate something. In modern cooking terminology, a turner is a flat or flexible utensil used to lift, flip, or rearrange food. These meanings share the central idea of rotation: the craftsperson works with a rotating object, the general turner changes something’s position or orientation, and the kitchen utensil allows a cook to do the same without getting close to heat. Turner is especially useful when precision is implied, as in the work of a skilled wood turner or metal turner, although its general and culinary senses are readily understood.
nounA person who turns, especially a craftsperson who operates a lathe to shape wood, metal, or other material. The word can also denote a kitchen utensil used to lift or turn food during cooking.
- A person who operates a lathe or similar machine to cut and shape material while it rotates.
- A person whose role or work consists of turning or rotating something.
- A kitchen utensil with a broad, usually flat end used to lift or turn food while cooking.
"The turner carefully shaped the oak into a smooth bowl."
"The turner inspected the piece before placing it on the lathe."
"She used the turner to flip the vegetables on the grill."
Turners is the standard plural when referring to several people with the craftsperson sense.
"The factory employed turners who specialized in producing precision metal parts."
A turner makes rotation do the work: from shaping wood on a lathe to flipping pancakes in a hot pan.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
How turner is actually used
Turner is most commonly used as an occupational term in woodworking and metalworking. In general contexts it can mean anyone who turns or rotates something, while the utensil sense is especially familiar in cooking contexts.
Easily confused with turner
A turner operates a lathe or turns food, whereas a tuner adjusts the pitch or frequency of a musical instrument or other device.