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View synonyms for turnkey

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of turnkey1

First recorded in 1645–55; turn + key 1

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Example Sentences

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

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

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

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

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

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turnip-rooted celeryturnkey project