turf

[ turf ]

noun

, plural turfs, (especially British) turves [turvz].

1. a layer of matted earth formed by grass and plant roots.
2. peat, especially as material for fuel.
3. a block or piece of peat dug for fuel.
4. Slang.
   1. the neighborhood over which a street gang asserts its authority.
   2. a familiar area, as of residence or expertise:

      Denver is her turf. When you talk literature you're getting into my turf.

5. Chiefly British. a piece cut or torn from the surface of grassland; sod.
6. the turf,
   1. the track over which horse races are run.
   2. the practice or sport of racing horses.

verb (used with object)

1. to cover with turf or sod.
2. British Slang. to remove from a desirable office or position; expel; kick out:

   He was turfed from leadership of the group.

turf

/ tɜːf /

noun

1. the surface layer of fields and pastures, consisting of earth containing a dense growth of grasses with their roots; sod
2. a piece cut from this layer, used to form lawns, verges, etc
3. the turf
   1. a track, usually of grass or dirt, where horse races are run
   2. horse racing as a sport or industry
4. slang.
   the territory or area of activity over which a person or group claims exclusive rights
5. an area of knowledge or influence

   he's on home turf when it comes to music

6. another term for peat 1
7. go with the turf informal.
   to be an unavoidable part of a particular situation or process

verb

1. tr to cover with pieces of turf

Other Words From

• turfless adjective
• turflike adjective
• re·turf verb (used with object)
• un·turfed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of turf¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English, cognate with Dutch turf, German Torf (from Low German ), Old Norse torf, akin to Sanskrit darbha “tuft of grass”; turbary

Word History and Origins

Origin of turf¹

Old English; related to Old Norse torfa , Old High German zurba , Sanskrit darbha tuft of grass

Example Sentences

A digital turf war erupted over Hydra’s displaced clientele.

From Salon

Giving the Chargers a 13-7 lead going into halftime, Herbert handed the ball to center Bradley Bozeman and the offensive lineman’s spike nearly dented the turf in the end zone.

From Los Angeles Times

He scrambled up the middle for eight yards on the Chargers’ first possession, juking Tennessee linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. so aggressively that the former Chargers linebacker toppled to the turf.

From Los Angeles Times

The 21-year-old jigged across Twickenham's turf barefooted before the warm-ups, getting the size of the stage, and looked completely at home as he set up Tom Wright's try with the most delicious finger roll this side of a sushi platter.

From BBC

The last time these teams met was in the 1986 Rose Bowl, UCLA’s 45-28 victory marking its most recent triumph in the bowl game held on home turf.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• earth
• grass
• ground
• sod
• soil
• terrain
• territory
• track