What is turf? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of turf

turfnoun

sân cỏ

/tɜːf//tɜːrf/

Where does the word turf come from?

The word "turf" has its origins in Old English and Middle English. In Old English, the word "torf" referred to a layer of earth or soil, particularly the layer of growth on a field or meadow. This sense of the word is still seen in Modern English, where "turf" can refer to a small area of grass or soil, often used to describe a tiny patch of land. In Middle English, around the 14th century, the word "turf" began to take on a new meaning. It referred to the thatched roof of a building, made from layers of turf or sod. This sense of the word is less common today, although it is still used to describe some traditional or rustic buildings. Over time, the word "turf" has also been used to describe competitions or disputes between groups or individuals, often in a sports or business context. For example, "the turf war between rival gangs" or "the company's efforts to gain a foothold in the competitive turf of the tech industry."

Vocabulary summary turf

typenoun, plural turfs, turves

meaningtopsoil (full of grass roots)

meaningAi

exampleto turf someone out

meaning(the turf) horse racing; horse racing

exampleone of the most familiar faces on the turf

typetransitive verb

meaningpaved with grass

meaning(slang) kick out, expel

exampleto turf someone out

Example of vocabulary turfnamespace

meaning

short grass and the surface layer of soil that is held together by its roots; a piece of this that has been cut from the ground and is used especially for making lawns (= the area of grass in a garden)

  • newly laid turf
  • the hallowed turf of Wimbledon, etc. (= the grass used for playing a sport on)
meaning

peat that is cut to be used as fuel; a piece of this

meaning

the sport of horse racing

meaning

the place where somebody lives and/or works, especially when they think of it as their own

  • He feels more confident on home turf.

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