Turner Meaning: Definition and Examples

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turner

[ˈtɜːrnər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

art

A person who creates works of art, especially paintings or drawings.

Synonyms

artist, drawer, painter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
turner	Used for individuals who make objects by shaping material on a lathe. Typically refers to craftsmen dealing with metal or wood. The turner created a beautiful wooden bowl.
painter	Someone who paints images or designs on surfaces, typically canvases. Can also refer to a person who paints walls and buildings, but here it refers to the artistic profession. The painter spent hours capturing the perfect light in his landscape piece. As a painter, she specializes in watercolors.
artist	Broad term for someone who creates art, encompassing all kinds of visual art forms including painting, drawing, sculpture, and more. Seen as a profession or identity for those highly engaged in the creative arts. The artist exhibited her new collection at the gallery. As an artist, he felt a deep need to express his emotions through his work.
drawer	Specifically refers to someone who draws pictures or sketches. Can also mean a sliding box or compartment in furniture, though not in this context. She's a skilled drawer, particularly adept at capturing human expressions.

Examples of usage

The famous painter is known as a talented turner.
She is a skilled turner, specializing in landscapes and portraits.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

machinery

A person who operates a lathe or similar machine used for shaping wood, metal, or other materials.

Synonyms

lathe operator, machinist, woodworker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
turner	Usually associated with someone who specifically works with a lathe in various materials. Commonly used for detailed, custom, or artistic pieces. The turner sculpted a beautiful wooden bowl from a piece of mahogany. As a turner, he spent hours perfecting each intricate design.
lathe operator	Typically referred to someone who operates a lathe in an industrial or manufacturing setting, often dealing with metal or other durable materials for functional parts. The lathe operator adjusted the machine for a precise cut on the steel rod. She has been a lathe operator in the workshop for over a decade, ensuring quality parts are produced daily.
machinist	Refers to a skilled worker who operates various machine tools to create or modify parts, usually in metalworking or engineering contexts. Responsibilities may include operating lathes, mills, and grinding machines. The machinist carefully measured the components to ensure they met the blueprint specifications. Machinists must have excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
woodworker	Specifically refers to someone who crafts items from wood, often creating furniture, carvings, or other wooden artifacts. This term highlights the material over the tools used. As a woodworker, he crafted beautiful custom cabinets for the kitchen. The woodworker selected the finest oak for his latest project.

Examples of usage

The turner carefully crafted the intricate design on the wooden furniture.
He learned how to be a turner and now works in a factory producing metal components.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

surname

A surname of English origin, derived from the occupational name for a turner of wood or metal.

Synonyms

Turner clan, Turner family, Turner surname.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
turner	This is used as a proper noun, often a last name. It's suitable for formal contexts such as addressing or identifying individuals. Mr. Turner will be joining the meeting today. Jessica Turner won the award for best student.
Turner family	This phrase is used to formally or informally talk about the family members who share the last name Turner. It can be used in both friendly and formal conversations. The Turner family invited us for dinner. The Turner family has lived in this town for generations.
Turner surname	This phrase is more technical and is used in formal or official contexts to specifically mention the last name 'Turner.' It might be used in documents or discussions about genealogy or last names. The Turner surname is quite common in the United States. Researchers traced the origins of the Turner surname back to medieval England.
Turner clan	This phrase is used informally to refer to a group of people with the last name Turner, usually implying a large family or close-knit group. It might be used in friendly or casual conversation. The Turner clan always has a big reunion every summer. You'll have fun meeting the Turner clan; they're really welcoming.

Examples of usage

John Turner is a common surname in English-speaking countries.
The family history traced back to the Turner ancestors who were skilled craftsmen.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The craft of turning dates back to ancient times, with evidence of lathe use in Egypt around 1300 BC.
Historically, turners played crucial roles in workshops, contributing to furniture-making and tool production during the Middle Ages.
The invention of the powered lathe in the 19th century revolutionized the turning process, making it faster and more efficient.

Pop Culture

Turners have been featured in various craft television shows, showcasing woodworking skills and creativity.
In literature, turners symbolize creativity, as they take a simple piece of wood and transform it into art.
Famous artists have used turning techniques in their works, illustrating the blend of functionality and aesthetics.

Science

Turning processes are grounded in physics, utilizing centrifugal force to shape materials evenly as they spin.
Understanding the properties of materials is essential for turners to avoid defects in their creations.
The principles of turning can be applied in various fields, including engineering and robotics, for precise shaping of components.

Art

Woodturning is often considered a fine art, with many artists competing in exhibitions to showcase their unique designs.
Decorative pieces often reveal the unique grain patterns of the wood, highlighting the natural beauty that turners can enhance.
Turned pottery and ceramics have historical significance, with ancient techniques still influencing modern artisans.

Origin of 'turner'

Main points about word origin

The word 'turner' comes from the Old English word 'turnian,' meaning to twist or spin.
In Middle English, the term 'turner' specified someone who operated tools to shape wood or metal.
The term often refers specifically to lathes, machines that rotate materials to create various forms.

The word 'turner' has a long history, originating from the Old English word 'turnian' meaning 'to turn or shape with a lathe'. It was commonly used to refer to craftsmen who worked with wood or metal, creating various objects through turning. Over time, the term expanded to include artists who created works of art, such as paintings and drawings. In the context of machinery, 'turner' also refers to individuals skilled in operating lathes or similar equipment for shaping materials. The surname 'Turner' reflects the historical association with the occupation of turning wood or metal. Today, 'turner' continues to be used in both artistic and mechanical contexts, representing creativity and craftsmanship.