Turf

/tɜːrf/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A layer of soil held together by the roots of grass; grass and earth.

The children played on the lush green turf of the park.

A hunting ground or territory; one's area of influence or control.

The new manager is trying to expand his turf within the company.

The surface of a racecourse or sports field, often made of grass.

The horse raced to victory on the turf track.

verb

To cover (an area) with turf.

They decided to turf the garden to make it more appealing.

Middle English, from Old English 'turf' which means 'turf, sod'.

on someone's turf

In someone's territory or area of control.

turf war

A conflict between rivals over territory or dominance.

turf out

To expel or remove someone from a place.

sod

A section of grass-covered surface soil held together by its roots.

lawn

An area of grass, especially one used for aesthetic purposes.

ground

The solid surface of the earth.

Area of control in a street gang context.

You better respect the turf if you want to roll with them.

Referring to someone’s home or local area.

He's back on his turf, so watch out.