1
: a turn resembling the letter U
especially : a 180-degree turn made by a vehicle in a road
2
: something (such as a reversal of policy) resembling a U-turn

Examples of U-turn in a Sentence

an abrupt U-turn of her support for the candidate after hearing the news of his misdeeds
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Though Trump had initially slowed down air defence aid to Ukraine (with its last major shipment in January), after weeks of heavy Russian aerial attacks, the administration is making a U-turn. Natasha Lindstaedt, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 Some of the president's most fervent supporters are voicing discontent with Trump − or at least his administration and top law enforcement officials − over apparent U-turns and missteps six months into his second term. USA Today, 12 July 2025 Back in ‘96 in Vegas, after shots were fired, Knight — bleeding from his scalp — made a frantic U-turn and headed west at a high speed toward Las Vegas Boulevard. Danielle Bacher, People.com, 1 July 2025 People were a bit allergic to the new direction last time, but a sonic U-turn is a concession, a place where pragmatism does outweigh whim. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for U-turn

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of U-turn was in 1906

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“U-turn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/U-turn. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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