Phrase guide

turning circle

noun · 3 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

The circular path formed by the wheel furthest from the centre of the turn when turning to the maximum extent.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: automotive, transport, vehicles

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

The path followed by a vessel’s center of gravity when it makes a complete turn of 360° with a consistent rudder angle. (FM 55-501)

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: nautical, transport

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

A place where a vehicle can turn and face in the opposite direction.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

8 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: draaicirkel — automotive: path formed by the wheel furthest from the centre
  • Finnish: kääntöympyrä — automotive: path formed by the wheel furthest from the centre
  • German: Wendekreis — automotive: path formed by the wheel furthest from the centre
  • Irish: caschiorcal — automotive: path formed by the wheel furthest from the centre
  • Spanish: radio de giro — automotive: path formed by the wheel furthest from the centre
  • Spanish: diámetro de viraje / virada — automotive: path formed by the wheel furthest from the centre
  • Spanish: círculo de giramiento / girada — automotive: path formed by the wheel furthest from the centre
  • Bulgarian: кръгово (krǎgovo) — a place where a vehicle can turn