1
: symmetrically shaped or rounded : shapely
2
: concisely and appropriately expressed
a well-turned phrase
3
: expertly rounded or turned
a well-turned column

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of well-turned was in 1592

Dictionary Entries Near well-turned

Cite this Entry

“Well-turned.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/well-turned. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on well-turned

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!