turnkey

1 of 2

adjective

turn·​key ˈtərn-ˌkē How to pronounce turnkey (audio)
: built, supplied, or installed complete and ready to operate
a turnkey nuclear plant
a turnkey computer system
also : of or relating to a turnkey building or installation
a turnkey contract
turnkey vendors

turnkey

2 of 2

noun

plural turnkeys
: one who has charge of a prison's keys

Examples of turnkey in a Sentence

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.
Adjective
This is a simple and turnkey way to bypass the lottery that can be less costly than fundraising, and most people will need a hotel anyway. — Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 Plus, Supertramp already has the US$495K Megatron for those buyers who want to go straight to a turnkey top-of-line rig without sinking time into picking and choosing their own add-ons. — New Atlas, 4 June 2026
Noun
Mini suites enable start-ups and other small employers the opportunity to gain a toehold in premium buildings through affordable, turnkey, move-in-ready spaces. — Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 Chen said the likely buyer profile tracks the region’s continuing concentration of wealth, with interest expected from tech, artificial intelligence and finance entrepreneurs — particularly those drawn to views and turnkey construction. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for turnkey

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1860, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1622, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of turnkey was in 1622

Rhymes for turnkey

See All Rhymes for turnkey

Browse Nearby Words

turnix
turnkey
turn-key job
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Turnkey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turnkey. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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