1
: a turn resembling the letter U
especially : a 180-degree turn made by a vehicle in a road
2
: something (such as a reversal of policy) resembling a U-turn

Examples of U-turn in a Sentence

an abrupt U-turn of her support for the candidate after hearing the news of his misdeeds
Recent Examples on the Web But now that the Biden administration is requiring tough new limits on tailpipe pollution, and companies have sunk billions into new processes to build electric vehicles, some automakers say that a sharp U-turn in E.V. policies could harm their industry. Jack Ewing, New York Times, 27 May 2024 His position on cryptocurrency represents a significant U-turn. Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 21 May 2024 Books Glenn Loury’s Confessional Michael M. Rosen Glenn Loury tells the story of his extraordinary life, marked by dramatic peaks and valleys, ideological U-turns, and relationships nurtured and destroyed. Daniel Foster, National Review, 16 May 2024 But in February this year, the maker of laptops, servers, and more took a sharp U-turn and told employees they’d be classified into one of two categories: hybrid or remote workers. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 16 May 2024 Motorists can use the Area Boulevard on-ramp or continue eastbound to East Commerce Way and make a U-turn to use the westbound Del Paso Road on-ramp to enter I-5. Angela Rodriguez, Sacramento Bee, 13 May 2024 Sony and Paramount have different approaches to the entertainment business, and a deal would probably result in a dramatic U-turn for Paramount. Lauren Hirsch, New York Times, 8 May 2024 The truck driver fled the traffic stop, pulling an abrupt U-turn and intentionally striking Hooser, Hooser’s vehicle and a UHP patrol vehicle, Spanish Fork Police Lt. Cory Slaymaker said. Stephen Sorace, Fox News, 7 May 2024 The Durango made a U-turn as soon as the light turned green. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 3 May 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'U-turn.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of U-turn was in 1906

Dictionary Entries Near U-turn

Cite this Entry

“U-turn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/U-turn. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!