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

With most parts of the muni bond market pretty strong from a credit perspective, Norton is trying to find yield that can also be resilient in an economic turndown. —Michelle Fox, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2024

Every evening at turndown, guests are served hot tea and can select from various teas, each with its own specialty such as sleepy time tea. —Debbi Kickham, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2024

Adjective

Visiting pets are offered a bed, nature videos to watch in the guest room, a welcome treat, and a turndown bone/treat at night. —Chip Bell, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024

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

Not all will apply; turning down the screen brightness isn’t going to help, but restricting background services and using low-power mode reduces the demands any app can make. —Ewan Spence, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024

William and Harry — or some very smart royal aides — turned down the invitations. —Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 18 Oct. 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