turnip

[ tur-nip ]

noun

1. the thick, fleshy, edible root of either of two plants of the mustard family, the white-fleshed Brassica rapa rapifera or the yellow-fleshed rutabaga.
2. the plant itself.
3. the root of this plant used as a vegetable.

turnip

/ ˈtɜːnɪp /

noun

1. a widely cultivated plant, Brassica rapa , of the Mediterranean region, with a large yellow or white edible root: family Brassicaceae (crucifers)
2. the root of this plant, which is eaten as a vegetable
3. any of several similar or related plants
4. See kohlrabi
   another name for kohlrabi

Other Words From

• turnip·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of turnip¹

1525–35; earlier turnep(e) , equivalent to turn (with reference to its neatly rounded shape) + nepe neep

Word History and Origins

Origin of turnip¹

C16: from earlier turnepe , perhaps from turn (indicating its rounded shape) + nepe , from Latin nāpus turnip; see neep

Example Sentences

During the promotion, players will be able to collect 1,000 bells for each turnip.

From Fortune

It’s part of a well-known mini-game within Animal Crossing called the Stalk Market that involves buying and selling turnips.

From Fortune

Reviews seemed to range a short spectrum between turnip (a dud, in the French parlance) and not-a-complete-turnip.

From The Daily Beast

On dessert menu at one new hotel, a “Mondae”—frozen lard covered in borsch with a turnip on top.

From The Daily Beast

Down there in the turnip greene and the tears, hope remained alive.

From The Daily Beast

When he ascended the throne, his friend presented him a turnip of extraordinary size.

From Project Gutenberg

In roots and tubers the variations are less, and all, except the potato and the turnip, contain about seven per cent of ash.

From Project Gutenberg

Perhaps I had better tell you once and for all that I refuse to go into the turnip and vegetable narrow business.

From Project Gutenberg

Cato pronounced the cabbage the finest vegetable known, and the turnip figures in the well-known anecdote of Manius Curius .

From Project Gutenberg

Cut out some balls of turnip in the same manner, and boil for fifteen minutes.

From Project Gutenberg