turf

[ turf ]
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noun,plural turfs, (especially British) turves [turvz]. /tɜrvz/.
  1. a layer of matted earth formed by grass and plant roots.

  2. peat, especially as material for fuel.

  1. a block or piece of peat dug for fuel.

  2. Slang.

    • the neighborhood over which a street gang asserts its authority.

    • a familiar area, as of residence or expertise: Denver is her turf. When you talk literature you're getting into my turf.

  3. Chiefly British. a piece cut or torn from the surface of grassland; sod.

  4. the turf,

    • the track over which horse races are run.

    • 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.

Origin of turf

1
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”; see turbary

Other words from turf

  • turfless, adjective
  • turflike, adjective
  • re·turf, verb (used with object)
  • un·turfed, adjective

Words Nearby turf

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use turf in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for turf

turf

/ (tɜːf) /


nounplural turfs or turves (tɜːvz)
  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

  1. the turf

    • a track, usually of grass or dirt, where horse races are run

    • horse racing as a sport or industry

  2. US slang the territory or area of activity over which a person or group claims exclusive rights

  3. an area of knowledge or influence: he's on home turf when it comes to music

  4. another term for peat 1

  5. 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

Origin of turf

1
Old English; related to Old Norse torfa, Old High German zurba, Sanskrit darbha tuft of grass

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012