turnkey

[ turn-kee ]

noun

, plural turn·keys.

1. a person who has charge of the keys of a prison; jailer.

adjective

1. Also turn-key. of, relating to, or resulting from an arrangement under which a private contractor designs and constructs a project, building, etc., for sale when completely ready for occupancy or operation:

   turn-key housing, turnkey contract.

2. fully equipped; ready to go into operation:

   a turnkey business.

turnkey

/ ˈtɜːnˌkiː /

noun

1. archaic.
   a keeper of the keys, esp in a prison; warder or jailer

adjective

1. denoting a project, as in civil engineering, in which a single contractor has responsibility for the complete job from the start to the time of installation or occupancy

Word History and Origins

Origin of turnkey¹

First recorded in 1645–55; turn + key ¹

Example Sentences

Powell and several other agencies are among about 50 customers of a company called Green Places, which is helping small businesses develop turnkey carbon-neutral solutions.

From Digiday

If you’re looking to build your own camper and you’re on a budget, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better or simpler turnkey solution.

From Outside Online

The turnkey nature of Backcountry Discovery maps makes using them almost absurdly easy.

From Outside Online

The latter will use 2D and 3D technology to place a brand’s product or logo in the program — as a result, it is “pretty turnkey,” she said.

From Digiday

Using existing layouts of the different rooms, it created multiple photo and video rigs, mock living spaces and other turnkey production setups that could be easily modified to suit various content and production needs.

From Digiday

Silently the turnkey passes the cell, like a flitting mystery casting its shadow athwart a troubled soul.

From Project Gutenberg

"Wery probable," says the turnkey, smoking his pipe wery fierce, and making believe he warn't up to wot the little man wanted.

From Project Gutenberg

He had not many visitors, and his only attendant was a prisoner, who was appointed for that purpose by the turnkey.

From Project Gutenberg

The turnkey withdrew to a discreet distance, where he remained within call, yet beyond the range of ordinary conversation.

From Project Gutenberg

Breathless, exhausted, the free baron marked the conflict now transferred to the turnkey and the jester.

From Project Gutenberg