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
Basically, Cleveland has a turnkey offense waiting for its 2027 quarterback, who, regrettably, is still in college. — Andy Behrens, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Varas expects interest from automotive enthusiasts as well as luxury real estate investors drawn to the turnkey nature of the homes and the opportunity to own one of six such residences in the country. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 12 Aug. 2026
Noun
Becky Fatemi, executive partner at United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty, says buyers are increasingly looking for homes that combine architectural pedigree with modern updates that offer a turnkey experience. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2026 Executive suites around the world have treated artificial intelligence as a magical, turnkey panacea—a single software deployment capable of magically cutting operating expenses, multiplying labor output and delivering immediate margins. — Ivan Illan, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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