Turk

noun

ˈtərk How to pronounce Turk (audio)
1
: a native or inhabitant of Turkey
2
: a member of any of numerous Asian peoples speaking Turkic languages who live in a region extending from the Balkans to eastern Siberia and western China
3
: muslim
specifically : a Muslim subject of the Turkish sultan
4
: a Turkish horse
specifically : a Turkish strain of Arab and crossbred horses
5
often not capitalized : a usually young dynamic person eager for change
especially : young turk

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Turk; Anglo-French Turc, from Medieval Latin or Turk; Medieval Latin Turcus, from Turkish Türk

First Known Use

circa 1513, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of Turk was circa 1513

Phrases Containing Turk

Dictionary Entries Near Turk

turista

Turk

Turk's-cap lily

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Turk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Turk. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

Turk

noun
ˈtərk How to pronounce Turk (audio)
: a person born or living in Turkey

More from Merriam-Webster on Turk

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Turk

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