turndown

1 of 3

noun

turn·​down ˈtərn-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce turndown (audio)
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
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.

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

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Cite this Entry

“Turndown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turndown. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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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