turndown

1 of 3

noun

turn·​down ˈtərn-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce turndown (audio)
Synonyms of turndownnext
1
: something turned down
also : an instance of turning something (such as a bed sheet) down
hotel turndown service
2
3

turndown

2 of 3

adjective

turn·​down ˈtərn-ˈdau̇n How to pronounce turndown (audio)
: 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
turn down the sheets
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
What Sleep Tourism Actually Looks Like In 2026 Sleep tourism goes well beyond a fancy pillow menu or a turndown service. Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 May 2026 With everything from gourmet pet menus and beach towels to comfy blankets and special turndown treats, the family pooch truly gets pampered at this dog-friendly New England hotel. Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 2 May 2026
Adjective
The full look consisted of black suede with a turndown collar emblazoned with hematite studs, fused with Who Decides War’s signature distressing and motif of chapel windows set ablaze in a matching set. Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 1 Feb. 2026 Rooms come with a yoga mat and foam roller, and nightly turndown service is inspired by Ozark folklore, with small tokens like red string, wildflower seeds, or stones left as mementos. Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 9 Dec. 2025
Verb
As Cal and Belle are being shot at, Kayce, who just turned down Tom’s offer to buy his East Camp ranch, is riding off into the sunset with his new love interest, Weaver’s daughter Dolly (Ellyn Jameson), and Kayce’s son Tate is heading off with Tom — neither aware of the threat lurking ahead. Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 26 May 2026 Who among us would have turned down a pay increase, the status of being one of 20 Premier League managers and, most crucially of all, the opportunity to move back home and see your young family every day rather than once or twice each week when training schedules allowed? Steve Madeley, New York Times, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for turndown

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of turndown was in 1533

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Turndown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turndown. Accessed 28 May. 2026.

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
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