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Turf Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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turf

[tɜːrf ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

on a football field

The turf is the artificial grass surface on a football field. It provides a safe and consistent playing surface for athletes.

Synonyms

artificial grass, astro turf, synthetic turf.

Examples of usage

  • The football players practiced on the turf.
  • The turf was recently replaced to improve performance.
Context #2 | Noun

in gardening

Turf refers to a piece of grass-covered soil that can be rolled out to create an instant lawn. It is commonly used for landscaping purposes.

Synonyms

grass, sod.

Examples of usage

  • The gardeners laid down the turf to create a beautiful lawn.
  • She purchased a roll of turf to cover the bare patch in her yard.
Context #3 | Verb

to take over control

To turf something means to take over control or remove someone from a position of authority. It is often used in a political or business context.

Synonyms

dismiss, oust, remove.

Examples of usage

  • The board of directors decided to turf the CEO due to financial mismanagement.
  • The employees voted to turf the supervisor who was not meeting their needs.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sports

  • In American football, turf refers to synthetic grass surfaces that are easier to maintain than natural grass.
  • Turf fields are often used in professional sports because they can withstand heavy use without getting muddy.
  • The debate about turf vs. grass includes discussions about player safety and injury risks on different surfaces.

Environment

  • Turf grass plays an essential role in urban environments by improving air quality and reducing heat in cities.
  • Lawns, composed of turf grass, can capture and filter rainwater, helping prevent runoff and erosion.
  • Maintaining turf can require specific watering and mowing practices to promote healthy grass growth.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, well-maintained turf is seen as a status symbol, especially in residential areas.
  • Public parks with vibrant turf areas provide spaces for recreation and social gatherings in communities.
  • In Scotland, 'turf' refers to traditional sod that is sometimes used in folk art and craft.

Agriculture

  • Turf production has become an industry, growing grass sod for landscaping and sports fields.
  • Farmers cultivate turf grass varieties that are suited to different climates and uses, promoting local biodiversity.
  • Healthy turf management practices encourage sustainable agriculture, particularly in residential landscaping.

Origin of 'turf'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'turf' comes from the Middle English term 'turf,' which is derived from Old English 'turf,' meaning 'a small hill or mound.'
  • Originally, the term referred to earth or soil, emphasizing the idea of the ground we walk on.
  • Over time, its meaning evolved to specifically denote an area covered with grass and roots.

The word 'turf' has a long history and can be traced back to Old English and Old Norse origins. In Old English, 'turf' referred to a piece of soil with grass on it, similar to its modern usage in gardening. The word also has connections to the Middle English 'torf' and the Old Norse 'torf', both of which meant 'turf' or 'sod'. Over time, 'turf' evolved to encompass various meanings, including the artificial grass surface on sports fields and the act of taking over control. Today, 'turf' is widely used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,439, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.