turndown

1 of 3

noun

turn·​down ˈtərn-ˌdau̇n 

1

: something turned down

also : an instance of turning something (such as a bed sheet) down

hotel turndown service

2

: rejection

3

: downturn

turndown

2 of 3

adjective

turn·​down ˈtərn-ˈdau̇n 

: capable of being turned down

especially : worn turned down

a turndown collar

turn down

3 of 3

verb

turned down; turning down; turns down

transitive verb

1

: to reduce the height or intensity of by turning a control

turn down the radio

2

: to fold or double down

3

: to decline to accept : reject

turned down the offer

4

: to turn (a card) face downward

intransitive verb

: to be capable of being folded or doubled down

the collar turns down

Synonyms

Noun

• declination
• denial
• disallowance
• nay
• no
• nonacceptance
• refusal
• rejection

Verb

• balk (at)
• decline
• deselect
• disapprove
• negative
• nix
• pass
• pass up
• refuse
• reject
• reprobate
• repudiate
• spurn
• throw out
• throw over

Examples of turndown in a Sentence

Noun

the request to use the restroom was just a formality—I really didn't expect a turndown

Verb

I'm afraid that I will have to turn down your invitation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The latter includes turndown service, a fitness center, Agraria toiletries, fluffy bathrobes, and rainfall showers. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2024

Especially vulnerable to the current turndown and especially online, younger generations are therefore prone to experience nostalgia—Stephanie Harlow writes in a blog post for consumer insights company GWI. —Alena Botros, Fortune, 26 June 2024

Adjective

Room service can be easily ordered via your in-room tablet, and there is nightly turndown service. —Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 7 Aug. 2023

Verb

For Fredette, a chance to play in the Olympics was too compelling to turn down. —Sean Gregory, TIME, 25 June 2024

Who starts up top? Folarin Balogun’s commitment to the program a year ago — turning down England and Nigeria — seemed to settle the striker debate. —Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 23 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1763, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1533, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Kids Definition

turn down

verb

1

: to fold back or down

2

: to lower by turning a control

turn down the heat

3

: reject entry 1 sense 1

turned down the job