Phrase guide

three-point turn

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

An act of turning around a car, involving one forward turn and two backward turns (or vice-versa).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Qualifier: driving

Examples

  • Near-synonym: turnabout

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: K-turn, turnabout

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: turn

2

noun

Meaning 2

the act of turning a vehicle around in a limited space by moving in a series of back and forward arcs

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: turn, turning

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Spanish: cambio de sentido en tres maniobras — an act of turning around a car, involving one forward turn and two backward turns (or vice-versa)
  • Spanish: vuelta / virada / girada de / en tres puntos — an act of turning around a car, involving one forward turn and two backward turns (or vice-versa)
  • Spanish: giro / giramiento / viraje en Y — an act of turning around a car, involving one forward turn and two backward turns (or vice-versa)