turnaround

1 of 2

noun

turn·​around ˈtərn-ə-ˌrau̇nd 

1

a

: the action of receiving, processing, and returning something

24-hour turnaround time on most orders

b

: the process of readying a transport vehicle for departure after its arrival

also : the time spent in this process

a quick turnaround between flights

2

a

: turnabout sense 1a

a corporate turnaround

b

: turnabout sense 1b

3

: a space permitting the turning around of a vehicle

4

: a jump shot by a player facing away from the basket who turns toward the basket while shooting

—often used attributively

a turnaround jumper

turn around

2 of 2

verb

turned around; turning around; turns around

intransitive verb

1

: to become changed for the better

2

: to act in an abrupt, different, or surprising manner

—used with and

after three years he just turned around and left school

transitive verb

: to change for the better

turned her life around

Synonyms

Noun

• about-face
• about-turn [British]
• flip-flop
• reversal
• turnabout
• U-turn
• volte-face

Examples of turnaround in a Sentence

Noun

The turnaround for most orders is 24 hours.

There is a 24-hour turnaround time on most orders.

a quick turnaround between flights

The team needs a big turnaround after their loss last week.

The company has achieved a remarkable turnaround in the past year.

The latest news has caused a turnaround in public opinion.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The turnaround plan Ortberg has already made aggressive moves during his short tenure as CEO that will ultimately shrink the company. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2024

Stakes are even higher for the company following an underwhelming robotaxi event earlier this month that failed to impress Wall Street analysts and investors hopeful for a turnaround. —Samantha Subin, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2024

Verb

Theme parks – both Universal and Disney — have seen a succession of softer quarters following a post-Covid surge but NBCUniversal parent Comcast sees that turning around by next summer. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2024

This is also how challenging disagreements at work can be turned around into constructive conversations: by putting curiosity before clash; by further developing and refining our arguments through discussion; and, by focusing on first principles first. —Julia Dhar, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Verb

1888, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

turnaround

1 of 2 noun

turn·​around ˈtər-nə-ˌrau̇nd 

1

: turnabout

2

: the time needed for one complete cycle or round trip from start to destination and back

turn around

2 of 2 verb

1

: to act in a sudden, different, or surprising manner

he just turned around and left home

2

: to change for the better

turned her life around