ENGLISH
REFERENCE

turning

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈtɝnɪŋ// UK //tˈɜːnɪŋ// turn·ing

n. a place where one road meets another, allowing you to change direction. You use this when giving someone directions on how to reach a destination.

n. a place where a road or path branches off from another; a junction. Often used in the context of navigational instructions.


SIMPLE

Take the second turning on the left.

CONTEXTUAL

After you pass the old church, look for a small turning that leads toward the river.

COMPLEX

The driver missed the critical turning in the heavy fog, forcing the team to backtrack several miles along the deserted coastal highway.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English turnyng, turnynge, from Old English tyrning, turnung, equivalent to turn + -ing.

Etymology 2

From Middle English turninge, turnynge, turninde, turnand, turnende, from Old English tyrnende, turniende, present participle of Old English tyrnan, turnian (“to turn”). Equivalent to turn + -ing.

Usage

Commonly used in British English where American English speakers might prefer 'turn' or 'intersection'.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference