First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1turf
noun \ˈtərf\
: the upper layer of ground that is made up of grass and plant roots
: a square piece of turf cut out of the ground that is used for making lawns
: a material that looks like grass and that is used especially to cover athletic fields
plural turfs \ˈtərfs\ also turves \ˈtərvz\
Full Definition of TURF
1
a : the upper stratum of soil bound by grass and plant roots into a thick mat; also : a piece of this b : an artificial substitute for this (as on a playing field) c : grass 3
2
a : peat 2 b : a piece of peat dried for fuel
3
a : a track or course for horse racing b : the sport or business of horse racing
4
a : territory considered by a teenage gang to be under its control b : territory 2 <have to play two of the last three games on hostile turf — Joe Klein> <in chapter two, the author is on unfamiliar turf>; also : a sphere of activity or influence <people who could hurt him on his own foreign-policy turf — Wall Street Journal>
— turfy \ˈtər-fē\ adjective
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Origin of TURF
Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German zurba turf, Sanskrit darbha tuft of grass
Other Ecology Terms
2turf
transitive verb
Definition of TURF
1
: to cover with turf
2
chiefly British : to eject forcibly : kick —usually used with out
First Known Use of TURF
15th century
TURF Defined for Kids
turf
noun \ˈtərf\
Definition of TURF for Kids
1
: the upper layer of soil bound into a thick mat by roots of grass and other plants
2
: land covered with grass
3
: an area that is or is felt to be under an individual's control <Fluffy won't allow any other dogs on his turf.>
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