U-turn

American  

[yoo-turn] / ˈyuˌtɜrn /

noun

1. a U -shaped turn made by a vehicle so as to head in the opposite direction from its original course.

2. a reversal of policy, tactics, or the like, resembling such a maneuver.

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verb (used without object)

1. to execute a U-turn.

   to U-turn into oncoming traffic.

U-turn British  

noun

1. a turn made by a vehicle in the shape of a U, resulting in a reversal of direction

2. a complete change in direction of political or other policy

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Etymology

Origin of U-turn

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Navy is operating to enforce its blockade of Iranian ports—the tanker made an abrupt U-turn.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

The company’s future was very much in doubt when it found a savior in Enzo’s one-time protégé, Luca di Montezemolo, a blue-eyed Italian aristocrat with the steady hand to pull off a U-turn at Ferrari.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

That is a U-turn from its prewar plans to raise the global growth forecast on the back of strong technology and artificial intelligence spending.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

The weather over the next few days is set to take a sharp U-turn after a week basking in warm spring sunshine.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

As we made a U-turn and headed away from Garland, I explained my plan for the trip to C Average.

From "Schooled" by Gordon Korman

Related Words

• change of mind
• reversal
• turnaround