What does turret mean?
A turret is a small tower built on, projecting from, or incorporated into a larger structure. In medieval architecture, turrets commonly formed part of castles and other fortifications, providing defenders with a protected position from which to observe the surrounding area and fire weapons. Churches, mansions, and civic buildings may also have decorative turrets, often distinguished by conical roofs and ornate stonework. Modern military usage applies the word to rotating structures on tanks, armored vehicles, and warships, where turrets contain or support guns and allow them to be aimed in different directions. The word therefore connects architecture, fortification, and military technology. It is especially useful when precision matters: a turret is generally smaller and more projecting than a simple tower, while its modern vehicle sense is more specific than the general term for an entire vehicle. The word also evokes the vertical silhouette and defensive purpose of fortified medieval buildings.
nounA turret is a small tower, especially one projecting from a larger building or fortified structure and serving a defensive or ornamental purpose. In military vehicles and warships, it is a rotating armored structure from which weapons are fired.
- A small tower projecting from a castle, church, or other building, often used for defense or decoration.
- A rotating armored compartment on a tank or other military vehicle that houses one or more weapons.
- A weapon mounting on a warship that allows guns to be directed in different directions.
"The castle's narrow turret overlooked the approach to the gate."
"A stone turret rises from each corner of the medieval keep."
"The tank's turret rotated toward the ridge as the crew searched for targets."
The standard plural of turret.
"Several turrets had been added to the fortress over the centuries."
From fortified castles to modern tanks, a turret has always been a place from which to watch, protect, and project power.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does turret come from?
Turret entered English from Old French tourete, a diminutive of tour, meaning “tower,” with the suffix -ete indicating a smaller form. Old French tour came from Latin turris, the source of English tour and related words such as tourist and tourism. The sense developed from the small towers attached to castles and other fortified buildings, and later extended to military and naval weapons platforms.
Related word forms
How turret is actually used
In architecture, turret usually denotes a relatively small tower attached to or projecting from a larger structure. In military and naval contexts, it refers to a movable or rotating weapons platform, often protected by armor.
Easily confused with turret
A turret is a tower or weapons platform, whereas a torrent is a rushing stream or an overwhelming flow of something.