turnstone

noun

turn·​stone ˈtərn-ˌstōn How to pronounce turnstone (audio)
: either of two shorebirds (genus Arenaria) of the sandpiper family:
a
: a bird (A. interpres) of worldwide distribution that has black and chestnut upperparts and a black breast
b
: a North American bird (A. melanocephala) with black upperparts and breast

Illustration of turnstone

Illustration of turnstone

Examples of turnstone 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.
The ruddy turnstone and purple sandpiper seem to like each other's company. — Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2022 One, with a distinct black bib and white belly and slightly upturned bill, was a ruddy turnstone. — Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2022

Word History

Etymology

from a habit of turning over stones to find food

First Known Use

1673, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of turnstone was in 1673

Rhymes for turnstone

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turnstile
turnstone
turntable
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Cite this Entry

“Turnstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turnstone. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on turnstone

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about turnstone

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