1 N‑COUNT A trap is a device which is placed somewhere or a hole which is dug somewhere in order to catch animals or birds.
2 VERB If a person traps animals or birds, he or she catches them using traps. □ [V n] The locals were encouraged to trap and kill the birds.
3 N‑COUNT A trap is a trick that is intended to catch or deceive someone. □ He was trying to decide whether the question was some sort of a trap.
4 VERB If you trap someone into doing or saying something, you trick them so that they do or say it, although they did not want to. □ [V n + into ] Were you just trying to trap her into making some admission? □ [V n] She had trapped him so neatly that he wanted to slap her.
5 VERB To trap someone, especially a criminal, means to capture them. [JOURNALISM ] □ [V n] The police knew that to trap the killer they had to play him at his own game.
6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A trap is an unpleasant situation that you cannot easily escape from. □ The Government has found it's caught in a trap of its own making.
7 VERB If you are trapped somewhere, something falls onto you or blocks your way and prevents you from moving or escaping. □ [be V -ed] The train was trapped underground by a fire. □ [V n] The light aircraft then cartwheeled, trapping both men. □ [V -ed] He saw trapped wagons and animals.
8 VERB When something traps gas, water, or energy, it prevents it from escaping. □ [V n] Wool traps your body heat, keeping the chill at bay. □ [V -ed] The volume of gas trapped on these surfaces can be considerable.
9 → see also booby-trap , death trap , poverty trap , trapped
10 PHRASE If someone falls into the trap of doing something, they think or behave in a way which is not wise or sensible. □ He never fell into the trap of making friends with his employees.
11 PHRASE If someone tells you to shut your trap or keep your trap shut , they are telling you rudely that you should be quiet and not say anything. [INFORMAL , RUDE ]
trap|door /træ pdɔː r / (trapdoors ) also trap door N‑COUNT A trapdoor is a small horizontal door in a floor or a ceiling.
tra|peze /trəpiː z/ (trapezes ) N‑COUNT A trapeze is a bar of wood or metal hanging from two ropes on which people in a circus swing and perform skilful movements.
trapped /træ pt/
1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you feel trapped , you are in an unpleasant situation in which you lack freedom, and you feel you cannot escape from it. □ [+ in ] …people who think of themselves as trapped in mundane jobs.
2 → see also trap
trap|per /træ pə r / (trappers ) N‑COUNT A trapper is a person who traps animals, especially for their fur.
trap|pings /træ p I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL The trappings of power, wealth, or a particular job are the extra things, such as decorations and luxury items, that go with it. [DISAPPROVAL ]
trash /træ ʃ/ (trashes , trashing , trashed )
1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Trash consists of unwanted things or waste material such as used paper, empty containers and bottles, and waste food. [AM ] in BRIT, use rubbish 2 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that something such as a book, painting, or film is trash , you mean that it is of very poor quality. [INFORMAL ] □ Pop music doesn't have to be trash; it can be art.
3 VERB If someone trashes a place or vehicle, they deliberately destroy it or make it very dirty. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n] Would they trash the place when the party was over?
4 VERB If you trash people or their ideas, you criticize them very strongly and say that they are worthless. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □ [V n] People asked why the candidates spent so much time trashing each other.
5 → see also white trash
tra sh can (trash cans ) N‑COUNT A trash can is a large round container which people put their rubbish in and which is usually kept outside their house. [AM ] in BRIT, use dustbin
trashy /træ ʃi/ (trashier , trashiest ) ADJ If you describe something as trashy , you think it is of very poor quality. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ I was reading some trashy romance novel.
trat|to|ria /træ təriː ə/ (trattorias ) N‑COUNT A trattoria is an Italian restaurant.
trau|ma /trɔː mə, [AM ] traʊ mə/ (traumas ) N‑VAR Trauma is a very severe shock or very upsetting experience, which may cause psychological damage. □ [+ of ] I'd been through the trauma of losing a house. □ The officers are claiming compensation for trauma after the disaster.
trau|mat|ic /trɔːmæ t I k, [AM ] traʊ-/ ADJ A traumatic experience is very shocking and upsetting, and may cause psychological damage. □ I suffered a nervous breakdown. It was a traumatic experience.
trau|ma|tize /trɔː məta I z, [AM ] traʊ -/ (traumatizes , traumatizing , traumatized ) in BRIT, also use traumatise VERB If someone is traumatized by an event or situation, it shocks or upsets them very much, and may cause them psychological damage. □ [be V -ed] I was traumatized by the experience. □ [V n] Did his parents traumatize him? □ [V n + with ] Traumatising a child with an abnormal fear of strangers probably won't do much good. □ [V -ed] …young children traumatised by their parents' deaths. ● trau|ma|tized ADJ □ He left her in the middle of the road, shaking and deeply traumatized.
trav|ail /træ ve I l, [AM ] trəve I l/ (travails ) N‑VAR You can refer to unpleasant hard work or difficult problems as travail . [LITERARY ] □ He did whatever he could to ease their travail. □ The team, despite their recent travails, are still in the game.
trav|el ◆◆◇ /træ v ə l/ (travels , travelling , travelled ) in AM, use traveling , traveled 1 VERB If you travel , you go from one place to another, often to a place that is far away. □ [V prep/adv] You had better travel to Helsinki tomorrow. □ [V ] I've been traveling all day. □ [V amount/n] Students often travel hundreds of miles to get here. □ [V + at ] I had been travelling at 150 kilometres an hour. □ [V -ing] He was a charming travelling companion. ● trav|el|ling N‑UNCOUNT □ I love travelling.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Travel is the activity of travelling. □ He detested air travel. □ …a writer of travel books.
3 VERB If you travel the world, the country, or the area, you go to many different places in the world or in a particular country or area. □ [V n] Dr Ryan travelled the world gathering material for his book.
4 VERB When light or sound from one place reaches another, you say that it travels to the other place. □ [V prep/adv] When sound travels through water, strange things can happen. □ [V + at ] Light travels at around 300,000,000 metres per second.
5 VERB When news becomes known by people in different places, you can say that it travels to them. □ [V adv/prep] News of his work traveled all the way to Asia.
6 N‑PLURAL [with poss, usu poss N ] Someone's travels are the journeys that they make to places a long way from their home. □ He also collects things for the house on his travels abroad.
7 → see also much-travelled , travelling , well-travelled
8 PHRASE If you travel light , you travel without taking much luggage.
tra v|el agen|cy (travel agencies ) N‑COUNT A travel agency is a business which makes arrangements for people's holidays and journeys.
tra v|el agent (travel agents )
1 N‑COUNT A travel agent or travel agent's is a shop or office where you can go to arrange a holiday or journey. □ He worked in a travel agent's.
2 N‑COUNT A travel agent is a person or business that arranges people's holidays and journeys.
trav|el|ler ◆◇◇ /træ vələ r / (travellers ) in AM, use traveler 1 N‑COUNT A traveller is a person who is making a journey or a person who travels a lot. □ Many air travellers suffer puffy ankles and feet during long flights.
2 N‑COUNT A traveller is a person who travels from place to place, often living in a van or other vehicle, rather than living in one place. [BRIT ]
3 → see also New Age traveller COLLOCATIONS traveller NOUN 1
adjective + traveller : frequent, seasoned; intrepid; inveterate, keen; discerning, savvy; weary; solo
verb + traveller : strand; entice, lure, woo
noun + traveller : armchair; business, leisure; air, rail, train; budget
tra v|el|ler's cheque (traveller's cheques ) in AM, use traveler's check N‑COUNT [usu pl] Traveller's cheques are cheques that you could buy in the past at a bank and take with you when you travelled, for example so that you could exchange them for the currency of the country that you were in.
trav|el|ling /træ vəl I ŋ/ in AM, use traveling ADJ [ADJ n] A travelling actor or musician, for example, is one who travels around an area or country performing in different places. □ …travelling entertainers.
tra v|el|ling sa les|man (travelling salesmen ) in AM, use traveling salesman N‑COUNT A travelling salesman is a salesman who travels to different places and meets people in order to sell goods or take orders.
trav|elogue /træ vəlɒg, -lɔːg/ (travelogues ) N‑COUNT A travelogue is a talk or film about travel or about a particular person's travels.
tra v|el rep (travel reps ) N‑COUNT A travel rep is the same as a holiday rep . [BRIT ]
tra v|el sick|ness N‑UNCOUNT If someone has travel sickness , they feel sick as a result of travelling in a vehicle.
trav|erse /træ vɜː r s, trəvɜː r s/ (traverses , traversing , traversed ) VERB If someone or something traverses an area of land or water, they go across it. [LITERARY ] □ [V n] I traversed the narrow pedestrian bridge.
trav|es|ty /træ vəsti/ (travesties ) N‑COUNT If you describe something as a travesty of another thing, you mean that it is a very bad representation of that other thing. □ [+ of ] Her research suggests that Smith's reputation today is a travesty of what he really stood for.
trawl /trɔː l/ (trawls , trawling , trawled )
1 VERB If you trawl through a large number of similar things, you search through them looking for something that you want or something that is suitable for a particular purpose. [BRIT ] □ [V + through ] A team of officers is trawling through the records of thousands of petty thieves. □ [V n] Her private secretary has carefully trawled the West End for a suitable show.
2 VERB When fishermen trawl for fish, they pull a wide net behind their ship in order to catch fish. □ [V ] They had seen him trawling and therefore knew that there were fish. □ [V + for ] We came upon a fishing boat trawling for Dover sole. [Also V n]
trawl|er /trɔː lə r / (trawlers ) N‑COUNT A trawler is a fishing boat that is used for trawling.
tray /tre I / (trays ) N‑COUNT A tray is a flat piece of wood, plastic, or metal, which usually has raised edges and which is used for carrying things, especially food and drinks.
treach|er|ous /tre tʃərəs/
1 ADJ If you describe someone as treacherous , you mean that they are likely to betray you and cannot be trusted. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He publicly left the party and denounced its treacherous leaders.
2 ADJ If you say that something is treacherous , you mean that it is very dangerous and unpredictable. □ The current of the river is fast flowing and treacherous.
treach|ery /tre tʃəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Treachery is behaviour or an action in which someone betrays their country or betrays a person who trusts them.
trea|cle /triː k ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT Treacle is a thick, sweet, sticky liquid that is obtained when sugar is processed. It is used in making cakes and puddings. [BRIT ] in AM, use molasses
tread /tre d/ (treads , treading , trod , trodden )
1 VERB If you tread on something, you put your foot on it when you are walking or standing. □ [V + on ] Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to tread on your foot.
2 VERB If you tread in a particular way, you walk that way. [LITERARY ] □ [V adv] She trod casually, enjoying the touch of the damp grass on her feet.
3 N‑SING A person's tread is the sound that they make with their feet as they walk. [WRITTEN ] □ We could now very plainly hear their heavy tread. [Also + of ]
4 VERB If you tread carefully, you behave in a careful or cautious way. □ [V adv] If you are hoping to form a new relationship tread carefully and slowly to begin with.
5 N‑COUNT The tread of a step or stair is its flat upper surface. □ He walked up the stairs. The treads were covered with a kind of rubber and very quiet.
6 N‑VAR The tread of a tyre or shoe is the pattern of thin lines cut into its surface that stops it slipping. □ The fat, broad tyres had a good depth of tread.
7 PHRASE If someone is treading a fine line or path , they are acting carefully because they have to avoid making a serious mistake, especially in a situation where they have to deal with two opposing demands. □ [+ between ] They have to tread the delicate path between informing children and boring them.
8 PHRASE If you tread a particular path , you take a particular course of action or do something in a particular way. □ He continues to tread an unconventional path.
9 PHRASE If someone who is in deep water treads water , they float in an upright position by moving their legs slightly.
10 PHRASE If you say that someone is treading water , you mean that they are in an unsatisfactory situation where they are not progressing, but are just continuing doing the same things. □ I could either tread water until I was promoted, or I could change what I was doing.
11 to tread on someone's toes → see toe
trea|dle /tre d ə l/ (treadles ) N‑COUNT The treadle on a spinning wheel or sewing machine is a lever that you operate with your foot in order to turn a wheel in the machine.
tread|mill /tre dm I l/ (treadmills )
1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to a task or a job as a treadmill when you have to keep doing it although it is unpleasant and exhausting. □ Mr Stocks can expect a gruelling week on the publicity treadmill.
2 N‑COUNT A treadmill is a piece of equipment, for example an exercise machine, consisting of a wheel with steps around its edge or a continuous moving belt. The weight of a person or animal walking on it causes the wheel or belt to turn.
trea|son /triː z ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Treason is the crime of betraying your country, for example by helping its enemies or by trying to remove its government using violence.
trea|son|able /triː zənəb ə l/ ADJ Treasonable activities are criminal activities which someone carries out with the intention of helping their country's enemies or removing its government using violence. □ They were brought to trial for treasonable conspiracy.
treas|ure /tre ʒə r / (treasures , treasuring , treasured )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Treasure is a collection of valuable old objects such as gold coins and jewels that has been hidden or lost. [LITERARY ] □ It was here, the buried treasure, she knew it was.
2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Treasures are valuable objects, especially works of art and items of historical value. □ The house was large and full of art treasures.
3 VERB If you treasure something that you have, you keep it or care for it carefully because it gives you great pleasure and you think it is very special. □ [V n] She treasures her memories of those joyous days. ● N‑COUNT Treasure is also a noun. □ His greatest treasure is his collection of rock records. ● treas|ured ADJ [ADJ n] □ These books are still among my most treasured possessions.
4 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a treasure , you mean that they are very helpful and useful to you. [INFORMAL ] □ Charlie? Oh, he's a treasure, loves children.
trea s|ure chest (treasure chests )
1 N‑COUNT A treasure chest is a box containing treasure.
2 N‑COUNT If you describe something as a treasure chest of a particular thing, you mean that it is very good source of that thing. □ [+ of ] This book is a treasure chest of information.
treas|ur|er /tre ʒərə r / (treasurers ) N‑COUNT The treasurer of a society or organization is the person who is in charge of its finances and keeps its accounts.
trea s|ure trove (treasure troves )
1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe something or someone as a treasure trove of a particular thing, you mean that they are a very good or rich source of that thing. □ [+ of ] The dictionary is a vast treasure trove of information.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to a collection of valuable objects as a treasure trove .
treas|ury ◆◇◇ /tre ʒəri/ (treasuries ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] In Britain, the United States, and some other countries, the Treasury is the government department that deals with the country's finances.
treat ◆◆◇ /triː t/ (treats , treating , treated )
1 VERB If you treat someone or something in a particular way, you behave towards them or deal with them in that way. □ [V n + with ] Artie treated most women with indifference. □ [V n + as ] Police say they're treating it as a case of attempted murder. □ [V n adv] He felt the press had never treated him fairly. [Also V n like ]
2 VERB When a doctor or nurse treats a patient or an illness, he or she tries to make the patient well again. □ [V n + with ] Doctors treated her with aspirin. □ [V n + for ] The boy was treated for a minor head wound. □ [V n] An experienced nurse treats all minor injuries.
3 VERB If something is treated with a particular substance, the substance is put onto or into it in order to clean it, to protect it, or to give it special properties. □ [be V -ed + with ] About 70% of the cocoa acreage is treated with insecticide. □ [V n] It was many years before the city began to treat its sewage.
4 VERB If you treat someone to something special which they will enjoy, you buy it or arrange it for them. □ [V n + to ] She was always treating him to ice cream. □ [V pron-refl + to ] Tomorrow I'll treat myself to a day's gardening. □ [V pron-refl] If you want to treat yourself, the Malta Hilton offers high international standards. [Also V n]
5 N‑COUNT If you give someone a treat , you buy or arrange something special for them which they will enjoy. □ [+ for ] Lettie had never yet failed to return from town without some special treat for him.
6 N‑SING If you say that something is your treat , you mean that you are paying for it as a treat for someone else. [SPOKEN ]
7 PHRASE If you say, for example, that something looks or works a treat , you mean that it looks very good or works very well. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ The first part of the plan works a treat.
8 to treat someone like dirt → see dirt SYNONYMS treat VERB
1
deal with: …the way that building societies deal with complaints.
handle: You must learn how to handle your feelings.
2
minister: For 44 years he had ministered to the poor, the sick, the neglected and the deprived.
cure: An operation finally cured his shin injury.
heal: No doctor has ever healed a broken bone: he or she sets them. NOUN 5
luxury: A week by the sea is a luxury they can no longer afford.
indulgence: The car is one of my few indulgences.
treat|able /triː təb ə l/ ADJ A treatable disease is one which can be cured or controlled, usually by the use of drugs. □ This is a treatable condition. □ Depression is treatable.
trea|tise /triː t I z, [AM ] -t I s/ (treatises ) N‑COUNT A treatise is a long, formal piece of writing about a particular subject. □ [+ on ] …Locke's Treatise on Civil Government.
treat|ment ◆◆◇ /triː tmənt/ (treatments )
1 N‑VAR Treatment is medical attention given to a sick or injured person or animal. □ Many patients are not getting the medical treatment they need. □ [+ for ] …an effective treatment for eczema. [Also + of ]
2 N‑UNCOUNT Your treatment of someone is the way you behave towards them or deal with them. □ We don't want any special treatment. [Also + of ]
3 N‑VAR Treatment of something involves putting a particular substance onto or into it, in order to clean it, to protect it, or to give it special properties. □ [+ of ] There should be greater treatment of sewage before it is discharged. □ As with all oily hair treatments, shampoo needs to be applied first.
4 PHRASE If you say that someone is given the full treatment , you mean either that they are treated extremely well or that they are treated extremely severely. [INFORMAL ] □ Make their stay really special by giving them the full treatment. SYNONYMS treatment NOUN 1
medicine: …herbal medicines.
remedy: …natural remedies to help overcome winter infections.
cure: There is still no cure for a cold.
medication: She stopped taking the prescribed medications.
trea|ty ◆◆◇ /triː ti/ (treaties ) N‑COUNT A treaty is a written agreement between countries in which they agree to do a particular thing or to help each other. □ [+ on ] …a global treaty on cutting emissions. SYNONYMS treaty NOUN 1
agreement: The two countries signed an agreement to jointly launch satellites.
pact: Last month he signed a new non-aggression pact with Germany.
contract: The company won a prestigious contract for work on Europe's tallest building.
tre|ble /tre b ə l/ (trebles , trebling , trebled )
1 VERB If something trebles or if you treble it, it becomes three times greater in number or amount than it was. □ [V ] They will have to pay much more when rents treble in January. □ [V n] The city has trebled the number of its prisoners to 21,000. ● tre|bling N‑SING □ [+ of ] A new threat to Bulgaria's stability is the week-old miners' strike for a trebling of minimum pay.
2 PREDET If one thing is treble the size or amount of another thing, it is three times greater in size or amount. □ More than 7 million shares changed hands, treble the normal daily average.
3 N‑COUNT A treble is a boy with a very high singing voice.
4 N‑COUNT In sport, a treble is three successes one after the other, for example winning three horse races on the same day, or winning three competitions in the same season. [mainly BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □ The win completed a treble for them–they already claimed a league and cup double this year.
tree ◆◆◇ /triː / (trees )
1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A tree is a tall plant that has a hard trunk, branches, and leaves. □ I planted those apple trees. □ …a variety of shrubs and trees.
2 → see also Christmas tree , family tree
3 PHRASE [usu cont] If you say that someone is barking up the wrong tree , you mean that they are following the wrong course of action because their beliefs or ideas about something are incorrect. [INFORMAL ] □ Scientists in Switzerland realised that most other researchers had been barking up the wrong tree.
4 PHRASE If someone can't see the wood for the trees in British English, or can't see the forest for the trees in American English, they are very involved in the details of something and so they do not notice what is important about the thing as a whole.
tree|house /triː haʊs/ (treehouses ) N‑COUNT A treehouse is a shelter that is built in a tree, usually for children to play in. □ I wanted to build a treehouse for my children but I couldn't because of the lack of branches.
tree|less /triː ləs/ ADJ A treeless area or place has no trees in it.
tree -lined ADJ [usu ADJ n] A tree-lined road or street has trees on either side. □ …the broad, tree-lined avenues.
tree|top /triː tɒp/ (treetops ) also tree tops N‑COUNT [usu pl] The treetops are the top branches of the trees in a wood or forest.
tree trunk (tree trunks ) N‑COUNT A tree trunk is the wide central part of a tree, from which the branches grow.
trek /tre k/ (treks , trekking , trekked )
1 VERB If you trek somewhere, you go on a journey across difficult country, usually on foot. □ [V prep/adv] …trekking through the jungles. □ [V -ing] This year we're going trekking in Nepal. [Also V ] ● N‑COUNT Trek is also a noun. □ [+ through ] He is on a trek through the South Gobi desert.
2 VERB If you trek somewhere, you go there rather slowly and unwillingly, usually because you are tired. □ [V prep/adv] They trekked from shop to shop in search of white knee-length socks.
trel|lis /tre l I s/ (trellises ) N‑VAR A trellis is a frame which supports climbing plants.
trem|ble /tre mb ə l/ (trembles , trembling , trembled )
1 VERB If you tremble , you shake slightly because you are frightened or cold. □ [V ] His mouth became dry, his eyes widened, and he began to tremble all over. □ [V + with ] Gil was white and trembling with anger. □ [V -ing] With trembling fingers, he removed the camera from his pocket. ● N‑SING Tremble is also a noun. □ [+ in/of ] I will never forget the look on the patient's face, the tremble in his hand.
2 VERB If something trembles , it shakes slightly. [LITERARY ] □ [V ] He felt the earth tremble under him.
3 VERB If your voice trembles , it sounds unsteady and uncertain, usually because you are upset or nervous. [LITERARY ] □ [V ] His voice trembled, on the verge of tears. ● N‑SING Tremble is also a noun. □ [+ in ] 'Please understand this,' she began, a tremble in her voice. [Also + of ]
tre|men|dous ◆◇◇ /tr I me ndəs/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use tremendous to emphasize how strong a feeling or quality is, or how large an amount is. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ I felt a tremendous pressure on my chest. ● tre|men|dous|ly ADV [ADV after v, ADV adj] □ The business is tremendously profitable.
2 ADJ You can describe someone or something as tremendous when you think they are very good or very impressive. [INFORMAL ] □ I thought it was absolutely tremendous. ● tre|men|dous|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ I thought they played tremendously well, didn't you? SYNONYMS tremendous ADJ 1
great: I'll take great care of it.
immense: With immense relief I stopped running.
enormous: It was an enormous disappointment.
tremo|lo /tre məloʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] If someone's singing or speaking voice has a tremolo in it, it moves up and down instead of staying on the same note.
trem|or /tre mə r / (tremors )
1 N‑COUNT A tremor is a small earthquake.
2 N‑COUNT If an event causes a tremor in a group or organization, it threatens to make the group or organization less strong or stable. □ News of 160 redundancies had sent tremors through the community.
3 N‑COUNT A tremor is a shaking of your body or voice that you cannot control. □ [+ in ] He felt a tremor in his arms.
tremu|lous /tre mjʊləs/ ADJ If someone's voice, smile, or actions are tremulous , they are unsteady because the person is uncertain, afraid, or upset. [LITERARY ] □ She fidgeted in her chair as she took a deep, tremulous breath. ● tremu|lous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ 'He was so good to me,' she said tremulously.
trench /tre ntʃ/ (trenches )
1 N‑COUNT A trench is a long narrow channel that is cut into the ground, for example in order to lay pipes or get rid of water.
2 N‑COUNT [N n] A trench is a long narrow channel in the ground used by soldiers in order to protect themselves from the enemy. People often refer to the battle grounds of the First World War in Northern France and Belgium as the trenches . □ We fought with them in the trenches. □ …trench warfare.
trench|ant /tre ntʃənt/ ADJ You can use trenchant to describe something such as a criticism or comment that is very clear, effective, and forceful. [FORMAL ] □ He was shattered and bewildered by this trenchant criticism. □ His comment was trenchant and perceptive.
tre nch coat (trench coats ) also trenchcoat N‑COUNT A trench coat is a type of raincoat with pockets and a belt. Trench coats are often similar in design to military coats.
trend ◆◇◇ /tre nd/ (trends , trending , trended )
1 N‑COUNT A trend is a change or development towards something new or different. □ This is a growing trend. □ [+ towards ] …a trend towards part-time employment.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] To set a trend means to do something that becomes accepted or fashionable, and that a lot of other people copy. □ The record has already proved a success and may well start a trend.
3 VERB If something such as a topic or name is trending , a lot of people are discussing or mentioning it on social media. □ [V ] Minutes after the announcement, Heidi was trending on Twitter. □ [V -ing] The hashtag #RoyalBaby became the world's number 1 trending topic. SYNONYMS trend NOUN 1
inclination: He set out to follow his artistic inclinations.
tendency: …the government's tendency towards secrecy in recent years.
fashion: He stayed at the top through all changes and fashions in pop music.
craze: …the craze for Mutant Ninja Turtles.
fad: Hamnett does not believe environmental concern is a passing fad.
tre nd-setter (trend-setters ) also trendsetter N‑COUNT A trend-setter is a person or institution that starts a new fashion or trend.
trendy /tre ndi/ (trendier , trendiest )
1 ADJ If you say that something or someone is trendy , you mean that they are very fashionable and modern. [INFORMAL ] □ …a trendy London night club.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone who follows new ideas as trendy , you disapprove of them because they are more interested in being fashionable than in thinking seriously about these ideas. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ Trendy teachers are denying children the opportunity to study classic texts.
trepi|da|tion /tre p I de I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with N ] Trepidation is fear or anxiety about something that you are going to do or experience. [FORMAL ] □ It was with some trepidation that I viewed the prospect of cycling across Uganda.
tres|pass /tre spəs/ (trespasses , trespassing , trespassed )
1 VERB If someone trespasses , they go onto someone else's land without their permission. □ [V prep] They were trespassing on private property. □ [V ] You're trespassing! ● N‑VAR Trespass is the act of trespassing. □ You could be prosecuted for trespass. ● tres|pass|er (trespassers ) N‑COUNT □ Trespassers will be prosecuted.
2 VERB If you say that someone is trespassing on something, you mean that they are involving themselves in something that is not their concern. □ [V prep] They were acting to prevent the state from trespassing on family matters such as sex education. [Also V ]
tress /tre s/ (tresses ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] A woman's tresses are her long flowing hair. [LITERARY ]
tres|tle /tre s ə l/ (trestles ) N‑COUNT A trestle is a wooden or metal structure that is used, for example, as one of the supports for a table. It has two pairs of sloping legs which are joined by a flat piece across the top.
tre s|tle ta|ble (trestle tables ) N‑COUNT A trestle table is a table made of a long board that is supported on trestles.
PREFIX tri-
is used at the beginning of nouns and adjectives that have 'three' as part of their meaning. For example, a tri-partite meeting takes place between representatives from three organizations.
tri|ad /tra I æd/ (triads ) The spelling Triad is also used for meaning 1 . 1 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft N n] The Triads were Chinese secret societies in old China.
2 N‑COUNT A triad is a group of three similar things. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] For the faculty, there exists the triad of responsibilities: teaching, research, and service.
tri|age /triː ɑːʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Triage is the process of quickly examining sick or injured people, for example after an accident or a battle, so that those who are in the most serious condition can be treated first. [MEDICAL ] □ …the triage process.
tri|al ◆◆◇ /tra I əl/ (trials )
1 N‑VAR A trial is a formal meeting in a law court, at which a judge and jury listen to evidence and decide whether a person is guilty of a crime. □ New evidence showed the police lied at the trial. □ He's awaiting trial in a military court on charges of plotting against the state. □ They believed that his case would never come to trial.
2 N‑VAR A trial is an experiment in which you test something by using it or doing it for a period of time to see how well it works. If something is on trial , it is being tested in this way. □ They have been treated with this drug in clinical trials. □ The robots have been on trial for the past year.
3 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft on N ] If someone gives you a trial for a job, or if you are on trial , you do the job for a short period of time to see if you are suitable for it. □ He had just given a trial to a young woman who said she had previous experience.
4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] If you refer to the trials of a situation, you mean the unpleasant things that you experience in it. □ [+ of ] …the trials of adolescence.
5 N‑COUNT [usu pl] In some sports or outdoor activities, trials are a series of contests that test a competitor's skill and ability. □ He has been riding in horse trials for less than a year. □ …Dovedale Sheepdog Trials.
6 PHRASE If you do something by trial and error , you try several different methods of doing it until you find the method that works properly. □ Many medical discoveries were made by trial and error.
7 PHRASE If someone is on trial , they are being tried in a court of law. □ He is currently on trial accused of serious assault.
8 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is on trial , you mean that they are in a situation where people are observing them to see whether they succeed or fail. □ The President will be drawn into a damaging battle in which his credentials will be on trial.
9 PHRASE If someone stands trial , they are tried in court for a crime they are accused of. SYNONYMS trial NOUN
1
hearing: The judge adjourned the hearing until next Tuesday.
case: It can be difficult for public figures to win a libel case.
tribunal: His case comes before an industrial tribunal in March.
2
test: …the banning of nuclear tests.
experiment: …a proposed new law on animal experiments.
pilot: …a ten-year pilot project backed by the trade and industry department.
tri |al bal|loo n (trial balloons ) N‑COUNT A trial balloon is a proposal that you mention or an action that you try in order to find out other people's reactions to it, especially if you think they are likely to oppose it. [mainly AM ] □ [+ of ] They floated the trial balloon of allowing sixteen-year-olds to vote.
tri |al ru n (trial runs ) N‑COUNT A trial run is a first attempt at doing something to make sure you can do it properly.
tri|an|gle /tra I æŋg ə l/ (triangles )
1 N‑COUNT A triangle is an object, arrangement, or flat shape with three straight sides and three angles. □ Its outline roughly forms an equilateral triangle. □ [+ of ] …triangles of fried bread.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The triangle is a musical instrument that consists of a piece of metal shaped like a triangle. You play it by hitting it with a short metal bar.
3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe a group of three people as a triangle , you mean that they are all connected with each other in a particular situation, but often have different interests. □ She plays a French woman in a love triangle with her two best friends.
4 → see also eternal triangle
tri|an|gu|lar /tra I æ ŋgjʊlə r /
1 ADJ Something that is triangular is in the shape of a triangle. □ …cottages around a triangular green.
2 ADJ You can describe a relationship or situation as triangular if it involves three people or things. □ One particular triangular relationship became the model of Simone's first novel.
tri|ath|lete /tra I æ θliːt/ (triathletes ) N‑COUNT A triathlete is someone who takes part in a triathlon .
tri|ath|lon /tra I æ θlɒn/ (triathlons ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A triathlon is an athletics competition in which each competitor takes part in three events: swimming, cycling, and running.
trib|al /tra I b ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Tribal is used to describe things relating to or belonging to tribes and the way that they are organized. □ They would go back to their tribal lands.
trib|al|ism /tra I bəl I zəm/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Tribalism is the state of existing as a tribe. □ Apartheid used tribalism as the basis of its 'divide-and-rule' homeland policies.
2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use tribalism to refer to the loyalties that people feel towards particular social groups and to the way these loyalties affect their behaviour and their attitudes towards others. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ His argument was that multi-party systems encourage tribalism.
tribe /tra I b/ (tribes )
1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] Tribe is sometimes used to refer to a group of people of the same race, language, and customs, especially in a developing country. Some people disapprove of this use. □ …three-hundred members of the Xhosa tribe.
2 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb, adj N ] You can use tribe to refer to a group of people who are all doing the same thing or who all behave in the same way. [mainly HUMOROUS , INFORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …tribes of talented young people.
tribes|man /tra I bzmən/ (tribesmen ) N‑COUNT A tribesman is a man who belongs to a tribe.
tribu|la|tion /tr I bjʊle I ʃ ə n/ (tribulations ) N‑VAR You can refer to the suffering or difficulty that you experience in a particular situation as tribulations . [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …the trials and tribulations of everyday life.
tri|bu|nal /tra I bjuː n ə l/ (tribunals ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A tribunal is a special court or committee that is appointed to deal with particular problems. □ His case comes before an industrial tribunal in March.
tribu|tary /tr I bjʊtəri, [AM ] -teri/ (tributaries ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A tributary is a stream or river that flows into a larger one. □ [+ of ] …the Napo river, a tributary of the Amazon.
trib|ute /tr I bjuːt/ (tributes )
1 N‑VAR A tribute is something that you say, do, or make to show your admiration and respect for someone. □ [+ to ] The song is a tribute to Roy Orbison. □ [+ to ] He paid tribute to the organising committee.
2 N‑SING If one thing is a tribute to another, the first thing is the result of the second and shows how good it is. □ [+ to ] His success has been a tribute to hard work, to professionalism.
tri b|ute band (tribute bands ) N‑COUNT A tribute band is a pop group that plays the music and copies the style of another, much more famous, pop group. □ We booked a Beatles tribute band for the wedding.
trice /tra I s/ PHRASE If someone does something in a trice , they do it very quickly. □ He will sew it up in a trice. □ She was back in a trice.
tri|ceps /tra I seps/ (triceps ) N‑COUNT Your triceps is the muscle in the back part of your upper arm.
trick ◆◇◇ /tr I k/ (tricks , tricking , tricked )
1 N‑COUNT A trick is an action that is intended to deceive someone. □ We are playing a trick on a man who keeps bothering me.
2 VERB If someone tricks you, they deceive you, often in order to make you do something. □ [V n] Stephen is going to be pretty upset when he finds out how you tricked him. □ [V n + into ] She was said to have tricked him into going to a warehouse at night in the hope of securing a lucrative deal. □ [V n prep/adv] His real purpose is to trick his way into your home to see what he can steal.
3 N‑COUNT A trick is a clever or skilful action that someone does in order to entertain people. □ He shows me card tricks.
4 N‑COUNT A trick is a clever way of doing something. □ Tiffany revamped her sitting room with simple decorative tricks.
5 → see also confidence trick , conjuring trick , hat-trick
6 PHRASE If something does the trick , it achieves what you wanted. [INFORMAL ] □ Sometimes a few choice words will do the trick.
7 PHRASE If someone tries every trick in the book , they try every possible thing that they can think of in order to achieve something. [INFORMAL ] □ Companies are using every trick in the book to stay one step in front of their competitors.
8 PHRASE If you say that something is a trick of the light , you mean that what you are seeing is an effect caused by the way that the light falls on things, and does not really exist in the way that it appears. □ Her head appears to be on fire but that is only a trick of the light.
9 PHRASE If you say that someone does not miss a trick , you mean that they always know what is happening and take advantage of every situation. [INFORMAL ]
10 PHRASE The tricks of the trade are the quick and clever ways of doing something that are known by people who regularly do a particular activity.
11 PHRASE If you say that someone is up to their tricks or up to their old tricks , you disapprove of them because they are behaving in the dishonest or deceitful way in which they typically behave. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ I have no respect for my father who, having remarried, is still up to his old tricks.
trick|ery /tr I kəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Trickery is the use of dishonest methods in order to achieve something.
trick|le /tr I k ə l/ (trickles , trickling , trickled )
1 VERB When a liquid trickles , or when you trickle it, it flows slowly in very small amounts. □ [V prep/adv] A tear trickled down the old man's cheek. □ [V n] Trickle water gently over the back of your baby's head. [Also V ] ● N‑COUNT [usu sing] Trickle is also a noun. □ [+ of ] There was not so much as a trickle of water.
2 VERB When people or things trickle in a particular direction, they move there slowly in small groups or amounts, rather than all together. □ [V adv/prep] Some donations are already trickling in. ● N‑COUNT [usu sing] Trickle is also a noun. □ The flood of cars has now slowed to a trickle.
tri ckle-down ADJ [ADJ n] The trickle-down theory is the theory that benefits given to people at the top of a system will eventually be passed on to people lower down the system. For example, if the rich receive tax cuts, they will pass these benefits on to the poor by creating jobs. □ The government is not simply relying on trickle-down economics to tackle poverty.
tri ck or trea t N‑UNCOUNT Trick or treat is an activity in which children knock on the doors of houses at Halloween and shout 'trick or treat'. If the person who answers the door does not give the children a treat, such as sweets or candy, they play a trick on him or her.
tri ck que s|tion (trick questions ) N‑COUNT If someone asks you a trick question , they ask you a question which is very difficult to answer, for example because there is a hidden difficulty or because the answer that seems obvious is not the correct one.
trick|ster /tr I kstə r / (tricksters ) N‑COUNT A trickster is a person who deceives or cheats people, often in order to get money from them. [INFORMAL ]
tricky /tr I ki/ (trickier , trickiest )
1 ADJ If you describe a task or problem as tricky , you mean that it is difficult to do or deal with. □ Parking can be tricky in the town centre.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a person as tricky , you mean that they are likely to deceive you or cheat you.
tri|col|our /tr I kələ r / (tricolours ) also tricolor N‑COUNT A tricolour is a flag which is made up of blocks of three different colours.
tri|cy|cle /tra I s I k ə l/ (tricycles ) N‑COUNT A tricycle is a cycle with three wheels, two at the back and one at the front. Tricycles are usually ridden by children.
tried /tra I d/
1 ADJ [ADJ and adj] Tried is used in the expressions tried and tested , tried and trusted , and tried and true , which describe a product or method that has already been used and has been found to be successful. □ …over 1000 tried-and-tested recipes.
2 → see also try , well-tried
tri|er /tra I ə r / (triers ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a trier , you approve of them because they try very hard at things that they do, although they are not often successful. [BRIT , APPROVAL ] □ He may not always achieve greatness but at least he's a trier.
tri|fle /tra I f ə l/ (trifles , trifling , trifled )
1 PHRASE You can use a trifle to mean slightly or to a small extent, especially in order to make something you say seem less extreme. [VAGUENESS ] □ As a photographer, he'd found both locations just a trifle disappointing.
2 N‑COUNT A trifle is something that is considered to have little importance, value, or significance. □ He had no money to spare on trifles.
3 N‑VAR Trifle is a cold dessert made of layers of sponge cake, jelly, fruit, and custard, and usually covered with cream.
▸ trifle with PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone is not a person to be trifled with , you are indicating to other people that they must treat that person with respect. □ [be V -ed P ] He was not someone to be trifled with. □ [V P n] No man in Tabriz trifled with the executioner.
tri|fling /tra I fəl I ŋ/ ADJ A trifling matter is small and unimportant. □ Outside California these difficulties may seem fairly trifling. □ …a comparatively trifling 360 yards.
trig|ger ◆◇◇ /tr I gə r / (triggers , triggering , triggered )
1 N‑COUNT The trigger of a gun is a small lever which you pull to fire it. □ A man pointed a gun at them and pulled the trigger.
2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] The trigger of a bomb is the device which causes it to explode. □ …trigger devices for nuclear weapons.
3 VERB To trigger a bomb or system means to cause it to work. □ [V n] The thieves must have deliberately triggered the alarm and hidden inside the house.
4 VERB If something triggers an event or situation, it causes it to begin to happen or exist. □ [V n] …the incident which triggered the outbreak of the First World War. ● PHRASAL VERB Trigger off means the same as trigger . □ [V P n] It is still not clear what events triggered off the demonstrations. [Also V n P ]
5 N‑COUNT If something acts as a trigger for another thing such as an illness, event, or situation, the first thing causes the second thing to begin to happen or exist. □ [+ for ] Stress may act as a trigger for these illnesses. SYNONYMS trigger VERB
3
set off: Any escape, once it's detected, sets off the alarm.
activate: Video cameras with night vision can be activated by movement.
4
bring about: The only way they can bring about political change is by putting pressure on the country.
provoke: His election success has provoked a shocked reaction.
spark: What was it that sparked your interest in motoring?
tri gger-ha ppy also trigger happy ADJ If you describe someone as trigger-happy , you disapprove of them because they are too ready and willing to use violence and weapons, especially guns. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ Some of them are a bit trigger-happy–they'll shoot at anything that moves.
trigo|nom|etry /tr I gənɒ m I tri/ N‑UNCOUNT Trigonometry is the branch of mathematics that is concerned with calculating the angles of triangles or the lengths of their sides.
trike /tra I k/ (trikes ) N‑COUNT A trike is a child's tricycle . [INFORMAL ]
tril|by /tr I lbi/ (trilbies ) N‑COUNT A trilby or a trilby hat is a man's hat which is made of felt and has a groove along the top from front to back. [BRIT ]
trill /tr I l/ (trills , trilling , trilled )
1 VERB If a bird trills , it sings with short, high-pitched, repeated notes. □ [V ] At one point a bird trilled in the Conservatory.
2 VERB If you say that a woman trills , you mean that she talks or laughs in a high-pitched voice which sounds rather musical but which also sounds rather irritating. □ [V with quote] 'How adorable!' she trills.
3 N‑COUNT A trill is the playing of two musical notes repeatedly and quickly one after the other. [TECHNICAL ]
tril|lion /tr I ljən/ (trillions ) The plural form is trillion after a number, or after a word or expression referring to a number, such as 'several' or 'a few'. NUM A trillion is a million million. □ Between July 1st and October 1st, the central bank printed over 2 trillion roubles.
tril|ogy /tr I lədʒi/ (trilogies ) N‑COUNT A trilogy is a series of three books, plays, or films that have the same subject or the same characters.
trim /tr I m/ (trimmer , trimmest , trims , trimming , trimmed )
1 ADJ Something that is trim is neat, tidy, and attractive. □ The neighbours' gardens were trim and neat.
2 ADJ If you describe someone's figure as trim , you mean that it is attractive because there is no extra fat on their body. [APPROVAL ] □ The driver was a trim young woman of perhaps thirty.
3 VERB If you trim something, for example someone's hair, you cut off small amounts of it in order to make it look neater and tidier. □ [V n] My friend trims my hair every eight weeks. ● N‑SING Trim is also a noun. □ His hair needed a trim.
4 VERB If a government or other organization trims something such as a plan, policy, or amount, they reduce it slightly in extent or size. □ [V n] American companies looked at ways they could trim these costs.
5 VERB [usu passive] If something such as a piece of clothing is trimmed with a type of material or design, it is decorated with it, usually along its edges. □ [be V -ed + with ] …jackets, which are then trimmed with crocheted flowers. ● -trimmed COMB □ He wears a fur-trimmed coat.
6 N‑VAR The trim on something such as a piece of clothing is a decoration, for example along its edges, that is in a different colour or material. □ …a white satin scarf with black trim.
7 PHRASE When people are in trim or in good trim , they are in good physical condition. □ He is already getting in trim for the big day.
tri|ma|ran /tra I məræn/ (trimarans ) N‑COUNT A trimaran is a fast sailing boat similar to a catamaran, but with three hulls instead of two.
trim|ming /tr I m I ŋ/ (trimmings )
1 N‑VAR The trimming on something such as a piece of clothing is the decoration, for example along its edges, that is in a different colour or material. □ [+ on ] …the lace trimming on her satin nightgown.
2 N‑PLURAL Trimmings are pieces of something, usually food, which are left over after you have cut what you need. □ Use any pastry trimmings to decorate the apples.
3 PHRASE If you say that something comes with all the trimmings , you mean that it has many extra things added to it to make it more special. □ They were married with all the trimmings, soon after graduation.
Trini|ty /tr I n I ti/ N‑PROPER In the Christian religion, the Trinity or the Holy Trinity is the union of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in one God.
trin|ket /tr I ŋk I t/ (trinkets ) N‑COUNT A trinket is a pretty piece of jewellery or small ornament that is inexpensive.
trio /triː oʊ/ (trios ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A trio is a group of three people together, especially musicians or singers, or a group of three things that have something in common.
trip ◆◆◇ /tr I p/ (trips , tripping , tripped )
1 N‑COUNT A trip is a journey that you make to a particular place. □ On the Thursday we went out on a day trip. □ Mark was sent to the Far East on a business trip.
2 → see also round trip
3 VERB If you trip when you are walking, you knock your foot against something and fall or nearly fall. □ [V ] She tripped and fell last night and broke her hip. □ [V + on/over ] He tried to follow Jack's footsteps in the snow and tripped on a rock. ● PHRASAL VERB Trip up means the same as trip . □ [V P ] I tripped up and hurt my foot. □ [V P + on/over ] Make sure trailing flexes are kept out of the way so you don't trip up over them.
4 VERB If you trip someone who is walking or running, you put your foot or something else in front of them, so that they knock their own foot against it and fall or nearly fall. □ [V n] One guy stuck his foot out and tried to trip me. ● PHRASAL VERB Trip up means the same as trip . □ [V n P ] He made a sudden dive for Uncle Jim's legs to try to trip him up.
5 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is, for example, on a power trip , a guilt trip , or a nostalgia trip , you mean that their behaviour is motivated by power, guilt, or nostalgia. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ There's such pressure to be happy in Hawaii, if you're unhappy you're on a guilt trip. □ The biggest star perk, and the biggest power trip, must be the private plane.
6 N‑COUNT A trip is an experience that someone has when their mind is affected by a drug such as LSD. [INFORMAL ]
7 VERB [usu cont] If someone is tripping , they are having an experience in which their mind is affected by a drug such as LSD. [INFORMAL ] □ [V + on ] One night I was tripping on acid. [Also V ]
8 VERB If someone trips somewhere, they walk there with light, quick steps. [LITERARY ] □ [V prep/adv] A girl in a red smock tripped down the hill.
▸ trip up
1 PHRASAL VERB If someone or something trips a person up , or if they trip up , they fail or make a mistake. □ [V n P ] Your own lies will trip you up. □ [V P n] He will do all he can to trip up the new right-wing government. □ [V P ] The two occasions she tripped up tell you nothing about how often she got away with it.
2 → see also trip 3 , trip 4 COLLOCATIONS trip NOUN 1
noun + trip : boat, fishing, shopping; business, school; road, return
adjective + trip : long, quick, short; recent, regular; foreign, overseas
verb + trip : book, organize, plan; cancel
tri|par|tite /tra I pɑː r ta I t/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use tripartite to describe something that has three parts or that involves three groups of people. [FORMAL ] □ …tripartite meetings between Government ministers, trades union leaders and industrialists.
tripe /tra I p/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Tripe is the stomach of a pig, cow, or ox which is eaten as food.
2 N‑UNCOUNT You refer to something that someone has said or written as tripe when you think that it is silly and worthless. [INFORMAL ] □ I've never heard such a load of tripe in all my life.
tri|ple /tr I p ə l/ (triples , tripling , tripled )
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Triple means consisting of three things or parts. □ …a triple somersault. □ In 1882 Germany, Austria, and Italy formed the Triple Alliance.
2 VERB If something triples or if you triple it, it becomes three times as large in size or number. □ [V ] I got a fantastic new job and my salary tripled. □ [V + in ] The Exhibition has tripled in size from last year. □ [V n] The merger puts the firm in a position to triple its earnings.
3 PREDET If something is triple the amount or size of another thing, it is three times as large. □ The mine reportedly had an accident rate triple the national average.
tri |ple jump N‑SING The triple jump is an athletic event in which competitors have to jump as far as they can, and are allowed to touch the ground once with each foot in the course of the jump.
tri|plet /tr I plət/ (triplets ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Triplets are three children born at the same time to the same mother.
tri|pod /tra I pɒd/ (tripods ) N‑COUNT A tripod is a stand with three legs that is used to support something such as a camera or a telescope.
trip|per /tr I pə r / (trippers )
1 N‑COUNT A tripper is a person who is on a trip or on holiday. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ …when the shops shut and the trippers go home.
2 → see also day-tripper
trip|tych /tr I pt I k/ (triptychs ) N‑COUNT A triptych is a painting or a carving on three panels that are usually joined together by hinges.
trip|wire /tr I pwa I ə r / (tripwires ) also trip wire N‑COUNT A tripwire is a wire stretched just above the ground, which sets off something such as a trap or an explosion if someone touches it.
trite /tra I t/ ADJ If you say that something such as an idea, remark, or story is trite , you mean that it is dull and boring because it has been said or told too many times. □ The movie is teeming with obvious and trite ideas.
tri|umph ◆◇◇ /tra I ʌmf/ (triumphs , triumphing , triumphed )
1 N‑VAR A triumph is a great success or achievement, often one that has been gained with a lot of skill or effort. □ [+ for ] The championships proved to be a personal triumph for the coach. □ [+ of ] Cataract operations are a triumph of modern surgery.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Triumph is a feeling of great satisfaction and pride resulting from a success or victory. □ Her sense of triumph was short-lived.
3 VERB If someone or something triumphs , they gain complete success, control, or victory, often after a long or difficult struggle. □ [V ] All her life, Kelly had stuck with difficult tasks and challenges, and triumphed. □ [V + over ] The whole world looked to her as a symbol of good triumphing over evil. SYNONYMS triumph NOUN 1
victory: Union leaders are heading for victory in their battle over workplace rights.
success: …the success of European business.
achievement: Reaching this agreement so quickly was a great achievement.
tri|um|phal /tra I ʌ mf ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Triumphal is used to describe things that are done or made to celebrate a victory or great success. □ He made a triumphal entry into the city.
tri|um|phal|ism /tra I ʌ mfəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT People sometimes refer to behaviour which celebrates a great victory or success as triumphalism , especially when this behaviour is intended to upset the people they have defeated. [mainly BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □ There was a touch of triumphalism about the occasion.
tri|umph|al|ist /tra I ʌ mfəl I st/ ADJ [ADJ n] Triumphalist behaviour is behaviour in which politicians or organizations celebrate a victory or a great success, especially when this is intended to upset the people they have defeated. [mainly BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □ …a triumphalist celebration of their supremacy.
tri|um|phant /tra I ʌ mfənt/ ADJ Someone who is triumphant has gained a victory or succeeded in something and feels very happy about it. □ The captain's voice was triumphant. □ This trip was not like his first triumphant return home in 1990. ● tri|um|phant|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ They marched triumphantly into the capital.
tri|um|vi|rate /tra I ʌ mv I rət/ N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] A triumvirate is a group of three people who work together, especially when they are in charge of something. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …the triumvirate of women who worked together on the TV dramatisation of the novel.
trivia /tr I viə/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Trivia is unimportant facts or details that are considered to be amusing rather than serious or useful. □ The two men chatted about such trivia as their favourite kinds of fast food.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] A trivia game or competition is one where the competitors are asked questions about interesting but unimportant facts in many subjects. □ …a pub trivia game.
triv|ial /tr I viəl/ ADJ If you describe something as trivial , you think that it is unimportant and not serious. □ The director tried to wave aside these issues as trivial details that could be settled later.
trivi|al|ity /tr I viæ l I ti/ (trivialities ) N‑VAR If you refer to something as a triviality , you think that it is unimportant and not serious. □ He accused me of making a great fuss about trivialities. □ Interviews with politicians were juxtaposed with news items of quite astonishing triviality.
trivi|al|ize /tr I viəla I z/ (trivializes , trivializing , trivialized ) in BRIT, also use trivialise VERB If you say that someone trivializes something important, you disapprove of them because they make it seem less important, serious, and complex than it is. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V n] People continue to trivialize the world's environmental problems.
trod /trɒ d/ Trod is the past tense of tread .
trod|den /trɒ d ə n/ Trodden is the past participle of tread .
trog|lo|dyte /trɒ gləda I t/ (troglodytes )
1 N‑COUNT A troglodyte is someone who lives in a cave. [FORMAL ]
2 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a troglodyte , you mean that they are unsophisticated and do not know very much about anything. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He dismissed advocates of a completely free market as economic troglodytes.
troi|ka /trɔ I kə/ (troikas ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Journalists sometimes refer to a group of three powerful politicians or states as a troika . □ [+ of ] …leader of the troika of past, present and future presidents.
tro|jan /troʊ dʒən/ (trojans ) N‑COUNT A trojan is a computer program that gets access to a computer or system by appearing to be harmless, but is designed to do something damaging. [COMPUTING ] □ Spammers gain control of your computer by infecting it with a trojan.
Tro|jan horse /troʊ dʒən hɔː r s/ (Trojan horses )
1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe a person or thing as a Trojan horse , you mean that they are being used to hide someone's true purpose or intentions. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ They claim he is a Trojan horse being used by the party bosses attempting to steal the nomination. [Also + for/of ]
2 N‑COUNT A Trojan horse the same as a trojan . [COMPUTING ]
troll /trɒ l, troʊ l/ (trolls , trolling , trolled )
1 N‑COUNT In Scandinavian mythology, trolls are creatures who look like ugly people. They live in caves or on mountains and steal children.
2 VERB If you troll somewhere, you go there in a casual and unhurried way. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [V prep/adv] I trolled along to see Michael Frayn's play, 'Noises Off'.
3 VERB If you troll through papers or files, you look through them in a fairly casual way. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [V + through ] Trolling through the files revealed a photograph of me drinking coffee in the office.
4 N‑COUNT A troll is someone who posts unkind or offensive messages on social media sites, and often tries to start arguments with other users. [COMPUTING ]
trol|ley /trɒ li/ (trolleys )
1 N‑COUNT A trolley is an object with wheels that you use to transport heavy things such as shopping or luggage. [BRIT ] □ A porter relieved her of the three large cases she had been pushing on a trolley. □ …supermarket trolleys. in AM, use cart 2 N‑COUNT A trolley is a small table on wheels which is used for serving drinks or food. [BRIT ] in AM, use cart 3 N‑COUNT A trolley is a bed on wheels for moving patients in hospital. [BRIT ] in AM, use gurney 4 N‑COUNT A trolley or trolley car is an electric vehicle for carrying people which travels on rails in the streets of a town. [AM ] □ He took a northbound trolley on State Street. in BRIT, use tram
5 PHRASE If you say that someone is off their trolley , you mean that their ideas or behaviour are very strange. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]
tro l|ley bus (trolley buses ) N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A trolley bus is a bus that is driven by electric power taken from cables above the street.
trom|bone /trɒmboʊ n/ (trombones ) N‑VAR A trombone is a large musical instrument of the brass family. It consists of two long oval tubes, one of which can be pushed backwards and forwards to play different notes.
trom|bon|ist /trɒmboʊ n I st/ (trombonists ) N‑COUNT A trombonist is someone who plays the trombone.
trompe l'oeil /trɒ mp lɔ I / (trompe l'oeils )
1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Trompe l'oeil is a technique used in art in which objects are painted their normal size in a very realistic way, to make people think that the objects are solid and real. □ …a trompe l'oeil painting.
2 N‑COUNT A trompe l'oeil is a trompe l'oeil painting.
troop ◆◆◇ /truː p/ (troops , trooping , trooped )
1 N‑PLURAL Troops are soldiers, especially when they are in a large organized group doing a particular task. □ The operation will involve more than 35,000 troops from a dozen countries.
2 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A troop is a group of soldiers within a cavalry or armoured regiment. □ [+ of ] …a troop of enemy cavalry trotting towards the Dutch right flank.
3 N‑COUNT A troop of people or animals is a group of them. □ [+ of ] Amy was aware of the little troop of travellers watching the two of them.
4 VERB If people troop somewhere, they walk there in a group, often in a sad or tired way. [INFORMAL ] □ [V adv/prep] They all trooped back to the house for a rest.
troop|er /truː pə r / (troopers )
1 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A trooper is a soldier of low rank in the cavalry or in an armoured regiment in the army. □ …a trooper from the 7th Cavalry.
2 N‑COUNT In the United States, a trooper is a police officer in a state police force. □ Once long ago, he had considered becoming a state trooper.
3 → see also storm trooper
troop|ship /truː pʃ I p/ (troopships ) also troop ship N‑COUNT A troopship is a ship on which large numbers of soldiers are taken from one place to another.
tro|phy /troʊ fi/ (trophies )
1 N‑COUNT A trophy is a prize, for example a silver cup, that is given to the winner of a competition or race.
2 N‑COUNT Trophy is used in the names of some competitions and races in which the winner receives a trophy. □ He finished third in the Tote Gold Trophy.
3 N‑COUNT A trophy is something that you keep in order to show that you have done something very difficult. □ [+ of ] His office was lined with animal heads, trophies of his hunting hobby.
tropi|cal /trɒ p I k ə l/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Tropical means belonging to or typical of the tropics. □ …tropical diseases. □ …a plan to preserve the world's tropical forests.
2 ADJ Tropical weather is hot and damp weather that people believe to be typical of the tropics.
Trop|ic of Can|cer /trɒ p I k əv kæ nsə r / N‑PROPER The Tropic of Cancer is an imaginary line around the Earth 23° 26′ north of the equator.
Trop|ic of Cap|ri|corn /trɒ p I k əv kæ pr I kɔː r n/ N‑PROPER The Tropic of Capricorn is an imaginary line around the Earth 23° 26′ south of the equator.
trop|ics /trɒ p I ks/ N‑PLURAL The tropics are the parts of the world that lie between two lines of latitude, the Tropic of Cancer, 23½° north of the equator, and the Tropic of Capricorn, 23½° south of the equator.
trot /trɒ t/ (trots , trotting , trotted )
1 VERB If you trot somewhere, you move fairly fast at a speed between walking and running, taking small quick steps. □ [V prep/adv] I trotted down the steps and out to the shed. □ [V ] A small shabby man was trotting beside Bardi trying to get his attention. ● N‑SING Trot is also a noun. □ He walked briskly, but without breaking into a trot.
2 VERB When an animal such as a horse trots , it moves fairly fast, taking quick small steps. You can also say that the rider of the animal is trotting . □ [V ] Alan took the reins and the small horse started trotting. □ [V prep/adv] Pete got on his horse and started trotting across the field. ● N‑SING Trot is also a noun. □ As they started up again, the horse broke into a brisk trot.
3 PHRASE If something happens several times on the trot , it happens that number of times without a break. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ She lost five games on the trot.
▸ trot out PHRASAL VERB If you say that a person trots out old ideas or information, you are criticizing him or her for repeating them in a way that is not new or interesting. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V P n] Was it really necessary to trot out the same old stereotypes about Ireland? [Also V n P ]
Trot|sky|ist /trɒ tski I st/ (Trotskyists ) N‑COUNT A Trotskyist is someone who supports the revolutionary left-wing ideas of Leon Trotsky.
trot|ter /trɒ tə r / (trotters ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Trotters are a pig's feet which you can cook and eat. [BRIT ]
trou|ba|dour /truː bədɔː r / (troubadours )
1 N‑COUNT Troubadours were poets and singers who used to travel around and perform to noble families in Italy and France in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.
2 N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to popular singers as troubadours , especially when the words of their songs are an important part of their music.
trou|ble ◆◆◇ /trʌ b ə l/ (troubles , troubling , troubled )
1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft in N ] You can refer to problems or difficulties as trouble . □ I had trouble parking. □ You've caused us a lot of trouble. □ The plane developed engine trouble soon after taking off. □ The crew are in serious trouble in 50-knot winds and huge seas. □ The Sullivans continued to have financial troubles.
2 N‑SING If you say that one aspect of a situation is the trouble , you mean that it is the aspect which is causing problems or making the situation unsatisfactory. □ The trouble is that these restrictions have remained while other things have changed. □ Your trouble is that you can't take rejection.
3 N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] Your troubles are the things that you are worried about. □ She kept her troubles to herself.
4 N‑UNCOUNT [n N ] If you have kidney trouble or back trouble , for example, there is something wrong with your kidneys or your back. □ Simon had never before had any heart trouble. □ [+ with ] He began to have trouble with his right knee.
5 N‑UNCOUNT If there is trouble somewhere, especially in a public place, there is fighting or rioting there. □ Riot police are being deployed throughout the city to prevent any trouble. □ Police sources admitted that the potential for trouble on the streets remained high.
6 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N to-inf] If you tell someone that it is no trouble to do something for them, you are saying politely that you can or will do it, because it is easy or convenient for you. [POLITENESS ] □ It's no trouble at all; on the contrary, it will be a great pleasure to help you.
7 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that a person or animal is no trouble , you mean that they are very easy to look after. □ My little grandson is no trouble at all, but his 6-year-old elder sister is rude and selfish.
8 VERB If something troubles you, it makes you feel rather worried. □ [V n] Is anything troubling you? □ [be V -ed] He was troubled by the lifestyle of his son. ● trou|bling ADJ □ But most troubling of all was the simple fact that nobody knew what was going on.
9 VERB If a part of your body troubles you, it causes you physical pain or discomfort. □ [V n] The ulcer had been troubling her for several years.
10 VERB If you say that someone does not trouble to do something, you are critical of them because they do not behave in the way that they should do, and you think that this would require very little effort. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V to-inf] He yawns, not troubling to cover his mouth. □ [V pron-refl to-inf] He hadn't troubled himself to check his mirrors.
11 VERB You use trouble in expressions such as I'm sorry to trouble you when you are apologizing to someone for disturbing them in order to ask them something. [FORMULAE ] □ [V n] I'm sorry to trouble you, but I wondered if by any chance you know where he is.
12 PHRASE If someone is in trouble , they are in a situation in which a person in authority is angry with them or is likely to punish them because they have done something wrong. □ [+ with ] He was in trouble with his teachers.
13 PHRASE If you take the trouble to do something, you do something which requires a small amount of additional effort. □ He did not take the trouble to see the film before he attacked it.
14 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is more trouble than they are worth , you mean that they cause you a lot of problems or take a lot of time and effort and you do not achieve or gain very much in return. □ Some grumbled that Johnson was more trouble than he was worth. COLLOCATIONS trouble NOUN
1
adjective + trouble : deep, real, serious; financial, marital
verb + trouble : cause, invite, spell, strike
5
verb + trouble : foment, make, spark, stir up; avoid, prevent
trou|bled /trʌ b ə ld/
1 ADJ Someone who is troubled is worried because they have problems. □ Rose sounded deeply troubled.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A troubled place, situation, organization, or time has many problems or conflicts. □ There is much we can do to help this troubled country.
trou ble-free ADJ Something that is trouble-free does not cause any problems or difficulties. □ The carnival got off to a virtually trouble-free start with only one arrest.
trouble|maker /trʌ b ə lme I kə r / (troublemakers ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a troublemaker , you mean that they cause unpleasantness, quarrels, or fights, especially by encouraging people to oppose authority. [DISAPPROVAL ]
trouble|shooter /trʌ b ə lʃuːtə r / (troubleshooters ) also trouble-shooter N‑COUNT A troubleshooter is a person whose job is to solve major problems or difficulties that occur in a company or government.
trouble|shooting /trʌ b ə lʃuːt I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Troubleshooting is the activity or process of solving major problems or difficulties that occur in a company or government.
trou|ble|some /trʌ b ə lsəm/
1 ADJ You use troublesome to describe something or someone that causes annoying problems or difficulties. □ He needed surgery to cure a troublesome back injury.
2 ADJ A troublesome situation or issue is full of complicated problems or difficulties. □ The economy has become a troublesome issue for the Government.
trou |ble spot (trouble spots ) also trouble-spot N‑COUNT A trouble spot is a country or an area of a country where there is repeated fighting between two or more groups of people.
trough /trɒ f, [AM ] trɔː f/ (troughs )
1 N‑COUNT A trough is a long narrow container from which farm animals drink or eat.
2 N‑COUNT A trough is a low area between two big waves on the sea. □ [+ between ] The boat rolled heavily in the troughs between the waves.
3 N‑COUNT A trough is a low point in a process that has regular high and low points, for example a period in business when people do not produce as much as usual. □ [+ in ] Looking back afterwards you will see that this was not a terminal trough in your career.
4 N‑COUNT A trough of low pressure is a long narrow area of low air pressure between two areas of higher pressure. [TECHNICAL ]
trounce /traʊ ns/ (trounces , trouncing , trounced ) VERB If you trounce someone in a competition or contest, you defeat them easily or by a large score. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n] His team were trounced by Arsenal last Tuesday.
troupe /truː p/ (troupes ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A troupe is a group of actors, singers, or dancers who work together and often travel around together, performing in different places. □ [+ of ] …troupes of travelling actors.
troup|er /truː pə r / (troupers ) N‑COUNT You can refer to an actor or other performer as a trouper , especially when you want to suggest that they have a lot of experience and can deal with difficult situations in a professional way. □ Like the old trouper he is, he timed his entry to perfection.
trou|ser /traʊ zə r / (trousers , trousering , trousered ) VERB If you say that someone trousers a sum of money, you mean that they receive it, usually when they do not deserve it or should not take it. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [V n] Ex-ministers are trousering £25,000 in fees simply for going to a few board meetings.
trou|sers /traʊ zə r z/ The form trouser is used as a modifier. 1 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Trousers are a piece of clothing that you wear over your body from the waist downwards, and that cover each leg separately. [mainly BRIT ] □ He was smartly dressed in a shirt, dark trousers and boots. □ Alexander rolled up his trouser legs. in AM, usually use pants 2 to wear the trousers → see wear USAGE trousers
Don’t talk about ‘
a trousers
’. Say trousers
or a pair of trousers
. □
Claud was wearing a pair of black trousers
.
trou |ser suit (trouser suits ) N‑COUNT A trouser suit is women's clothing consisting of a pair of trousers and a jacket which are made from the same material. [BRIT ] in AM, use pantsuit , pants suit
trous|seau /truː soʊ/ (trousseaux ) N‑COUNT A trousseau is a collection of clothes and other possessions that a bride brings with her when she gets married. [OLD-FASHIONED ]
trout /traʊ t/ (trout or trouts ) N‑VAR A trout is a fairly large fish that lives in rivers and streams. ● N‑UNCOUNT Trout is this fish eaten as food.
trove /troʊ v/ → see treasure trove
trow|el /traʊ əl/ (trowels )
1 N‑COUNT A trowel is a small garden tool which you use for digging small holes or removing weeds.
2 N‑COUNT A trowel is a small tool with a flat blade that you use for spreading things such as cement and plaster onto walls and other surfaces.
tru|an|cy /truː ənsi/ N‑UNCOUNT Truancy is when children stay away from school without permission.
tru|ant /truː ənt/ (truants , truanting , truanted )
1 N‑COUNT A truant is a pupil who stays away from school without permission.
2 VERB If a pupil truants , he or she stays away from school without permission. □ [V ] In his fourth year he was truanting regularly. ● tru|ant|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ Truanting is a small but growing problem in primary schools.
3 PHRASE If a pupil plays truant , he or she stays away from school without permission. □ [+ from ] She was getting into trouble over playing truant from school.
truce /truː s/ (truces ) N‑COUNT A truce is an agreement between two people or groups of people to stop fighting or quarrelling for a short time. □ [+ between ] The fighting of recent days has given way to an uneasy truce between the two sides. □ Let's call a truce.
truck ◆◇◇ /trʌ k/ (trucks , trucking , trucked )
1 N‑COUNT A truck is a large vehicle that is used to transport goods by road. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use lorry 2 N‑COUNT A truck is an open vehicle used for carrying goods on a railway. [BRIT ] □ They were loaded on the railway trucks to go to Liverpool. in AM, use freight car 3 VERB [usu passive] When something or someone is trucked somewhere, they are driven there in a lorry. [mainly AM ] □ [be V -ed prep/adv] The liquor was sold legally and trucked out of the state.
4 PHRASE If you say that you will have no truck with someone or something, you are refusing to be involved with them in any way. □ He would have no truck with deceit.
truck|er /trʌ kə r / (truckers ) N‑COUNT A trucker is someone who drives a truck as their job. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use lorry driver
truck|ing /trʌ k I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Trucking is the activity of transporting goods from one place to another using trucks. [mainly AM ] □ …the deregulation of the trucking industry. in BRIT, use haulage
truck|load /trʌ kloʊd/ (truckloads ) also truck load N‑COUNT A truckload of goods or people is the amount of them that a truck can carry. □ [+ of ] Truckloads of food, blankets, and other necessities reached the city.
tru ck stop (truck stops ) N‑COUNT A truck stop is a place where drivers, especially truck or lorry drivers, can stop, for example to rest or to get something to eat. [mainly AM ]
trucu|lent /trʌ kjʊlənt/ ADJ If you say that someone is truculent , you mean that they are bad-tempered and aggressive. ● trucu|lence /trʌ kjʊləns/ N‑UNCOUNT □ 'Your secretary said you'd be wanting a cleaner,' she announced with her usual truculence.
trudge /trʌ dʒ/ (trudges , trudging , trudged ) VERB If you trudge somewhere, you walk there slowly and with heavy steps, especially because you are tired or unhappy. □ [V prep/adv] We had to trudge up the track back to the station. ● N‑SING Trudge is also a noun. □ We were reluctant to start the long trudge home.
true ◆◆◇ /truː / (truer , truest )
1 ADJ If something is true , it is based on facts rather than being invented or imagined, and is accurate and reliable. □ Everything I had heard about him was true. □ The play follows the true story of the couple whose daughter has an extreme form of Asperger's syndrome.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use true to emphasize that a person or thing is sincere or genuine, often in contrast to something that is pretended or hidden. [EMPHASIS ] □ I allowed myself to acknowledge my true feelings. □ The true cost often differs from that which had first been projected.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] If you use true to describe something or someone, you approve of them because they have all the characteristics or qualities that such a person or thing typically has. [APPROVAL ] □ Maybe one day you'll find true love. □ The ability to work collaboratively is a true test of leadership. □ I think he's a true genius.
4 ADJ If you say that a fact is true of a particular person or situation, you mean that it is valid or relevant for them. □ [+ of ] The romance may have gone out of the marriage, but this is true of many couples. □ [+ for ] Expenditure on health has gone down, and the same is true for education.
5 ADJ If you are true to someone, you remain committed and loyal to them. If you are true to an idea or promise, you remain committed to it and continue to act according to it. □ [+ to ] Many consumers remain true to their favourite brand. □ [+ to ] India has remained true to democracy. □ [+ to ] She's been true to her word from day one.
6 PHRASE If a dream, wish, or prediction comes true , it actually happens. □ Owning a place of their own is a dream come true for the couple.
7 PHRASE If a general statement holds true in particular circumstances, or if your previous statement holds true in different circumstances, it is true or valid in those circumstances. [FORMAL ] □ [+ for ] One thing holds true for all of us: there are no rights without duties.
8 PHRASE If you say that something seems too good to be true , you are suspicious of it because it seems better than you had expected, and you think there may something wrong with it that you have not noticed. □ The celebrations were remarkably peaceful. Indeed, it seemed almost too good to be true.
9 PHRASE If you say that something such as a story or a film is true to life , you approve of it because it seems real. [APPROVAL ] □ The opening scenes of this movie are just not true to life.
10 true colours → see colour
11 true to form → see form
12 to ring true → see ring ➊
13 tried and true → see tried
true -blue also true blue
1 ADJ If you describe someone as true-blue , you mean that they are right-wing in their ideas and opinions. [BRIT ] □ Her mother is a true blue Tory.
2 ADJ A true-blue supporter of something is someone who is very loyal and reliable. [AM ]
truf|fle /trʌ f ə l/ (truffles )
1 N‑COUNT A truffle is a soft round sweet made with chocolate and usually flavoured with rum.
2 N‑COUNT A truffle is a round type of fungus which is expensive and considered very good to eat.
trug /trʌ g/ (trugs ) N‑COUNT A trug is a wide, shallow, oval basket used for carrying garden tools, flowers, or plants. [BRIT ]
tru|ism /truː I zəm/ (truisms ) N‑COUNT A truism is a statement that is generally accepted as obviously true and is repeated so often that it has become boring. □ Orpington seems an example of the truism that nothing succeeds like success.
tru|ly ◆◇◇ /truː li/
1 ADV [ADV before v] You use truly to emphasize that something has all the features or qualities of a particular thing, or is the case to the fullest possible extent. [EMPHASIS ] □ …a truly democratic system. □ Not all doctors truly understand the reproductive cycle.
2 ADV [ADV adj] You can use truly in order to emphasize your description of something. [EMPHASIS ] □ …a truly splendid man. □ They were truly appalling.
3 ADV [ADV adj, ADV before v] You use truly to emphasize that feelings are genuine and sincere. [EMPHASIS ] □ Believe me, Susan, I am truly sorry.
4 well and truly → see well ➌
5 CONVENTION You write Yours truly at the end of a formal letter to someone you do not know very well. You write your signature after the words 'Yours truly'. □ Yours truly, Phil Turner.
6 PHRASE You can say yours truly as a way of referring to yourself. [HUMOROUS , INFORMAL ] □ Yours truly was awoken by a shout: 'Ahoy there!'
trump /trʌ mp/ (trumps , trumping , trumped )
1 N‑UNCOUNT [with sing or pl verb] In a game of cards, trumps is the suit which is chosen to have the highest value in one particular game. □ Hearts are trumps.
2 N‑COUNT In a game of cards, a trump is a playing card which belongs to the suit which has been chosen as trumps. □ He played a trump.
3 VERB If you trump what someone has said or done, you beat it by saying or doing something else that seems better. □ [V n] The Socialists tried to trump this with their slogan.
4 PHRASE Your trump card is something powerful that you can use or do, which gives you an advantage over someone. □ In the end, the Ten took their appeal to the Supreme Court; this, they had believed from the outset, would be their trump card.
5 PHRASE If you say that someone came up trumps , you mean that they did something successfully, often when they were not expected to. [BRIT ] □ Dwayne has come up trumps with a goal worthy of winning any match.
tru mped-u p ADJ [usu ADJ n] Trumped-up charges are untrue, and made up in order to punish someone unfairly.
trum|pet /trʌ mp I t/ (trumpets , trumpeting , trumpeted )
1 N‑VAR A trumpet is a musical instrument of the brass family which plays quite high notes. You play the trumpet by blowing into it.
2 VERB If someone trumpets something that they are proud of or that they think is important, they speak about it publicly in a very forceful way. □ [V n + as ] The government has been trumpeting tourism as a growth industry. □ [V + about ] Nobody should be trumpeting about chemical weapons. □ [be V -ed that] It was trumpeted that the nation's health was improving. [Also V n]
trum|pet|er /trʌ mp I tə r / (trumpeters ) N‑COUNT A trumpeter is someone who plays a trumpet.
trun|cat|ed /trʌŋke I t I d, [AM ] trʌ ŋke I t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A truncated version of something is one that has been shortened. □ The review body has produced a truncated version of its annual report.
trun|cheon /trʌ ntʃən/ (truncheons ) N‑COUNT A truncheon is a short, thick stick that is carried as a weapon by a police officer. [BRIT ] in AM, use billy
trun|dle /trʌ nd ə l/ (trundles , trundling , trundled )
1 VERB If a vehicle trundles somewhere, it moves there slowly, often with difficulty or an irregular movement. □ [V prep/adv] The train eventually trundled in at 7.54.
2 VERB If you trundle something somewhere, especially a small, heavy object with wheels, you move or roll it along slowly. □ [V n adv/prep] The old man lifted the barrow and trundled it away.
3 VERB If you say that someone is trundling somewhere, you mean that they are walking slowly, often in a tired way or with heavy steps. □ [V adv/prep] Girls trundle in carrying heavy book bags.
trunk /trʌ ŋk/ (trunks )
1 N‑COUNT [n N ] The trunk of a tree is the large main stem from which the branches grow. □ [+ of ] …the gnarled trunk of a birch tree.
2 N‑COUNT A trunk is a large, strong case or box used for storing things or for taking on a journey.
3 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] An elephant's trunk is its very long nose that it uses to lift food and water to its mouth.
4 N‑COUNT The trunk of a car is a covered space at the back or front in which you put luggage or other things. [AM ] in BRIT, use boot 5 N‑PLURAL Trunks are shorts that a man wears when he goes swimming.
6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your trunk is the central part of your body, from your neck to your waist. [FORMAL ]
tru nk road (trunk roads ) N‑COUNT A trunk road is a major road that has been specially built for travelling long distances. A trunk road is not as wide or as fast as a motorway. [BRIT ]
truss /trʌ s/ (trusses , trussing , trussed )
1 VERB To truss someone means to tie them up very tightly so that they cannot move. [WRITTEN ] □ [V n] She trussed him quickly with stolen bandage, and gagged his mouth. ● PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] Truss up means the same as truss . □ [be V -ed P + with ] She was trussed up with yellow nylon rope. [Also V n P ]
2 N‑COUNT A truss is a special belt with a pad that a man wears when he has a hernia in order to prevent it from getting worse.
▸ truss up → see truss 1
trust ◆◆◇ /trʌ st/ (trusts , trusting , trusted )
1 VERB If you trust someone, you believe that they are honest and sincere and will not deliberately do anything to harm you. □ [V n] 'I trust you completely,' he said. □ [V n] He did argue in a general way that the president can't be trusted. [Also V ] ● trust|ed ADJ [ADJ n] □ After speaking to a group of her most trusted advisers, she turned her anger into action.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Your trust in someone is your belief that they are honest and sincere and will not deliberately do anything to harm you. □ [+ in ] He destroyed me and my trust in men. □ You've betrayed their trust. □ There's a feeling of warmth and trust here.
3 VERB If you trust someone to do something, you believe that they will do it. □ [V n to-inf] That's why I must trust you to keep this secret.
4 VERB If you trust someone with something important or valuable, you allow them to look after it or deal with it. □ [V n + with ] This could make your superiors hesitate to trust you with major responsibilities. □ [V n + with ] I'd trust him with my life. ● N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Trust is also a noun. □ …a care home where you were working in a position of trust.
5 VERB If you do not trust something, you feel that it is not safe or reliable. □ [V n] She nodded, not trusting her own voice. □ [V n to-inf] For one thing, he didn't trust his legs to hold him up. □ [V pron-refl to-inf] I still can't trust myself to remain composed in their presence.
6 VERB If you trust someone's judgment or advice, you believe that it is good or right. □ [V n] I blame myself and will never be able to trust my instinct again.
7 VERB If you say you trust that something is true, you mean you hope and expect that it is true. [FORMAL ] □ [V that] I trust you will take the earliest opportunity to make a full apology.
8 VERB If you trust in someone or something, you believe strongly in them, and do not doubt their powers or their good intentions. [FORMAL ] □ [V + in ] He was a pastor who trusted in the Lord and who lived to preach.
9 N‑COUNT [oft in N ] A trust is a financial arrangement in which a group of people or an organization keeps and invests money for someone. □ The money will be put in trust until she is 18.
10 N‑COUNT [oft in names] A trust is a group of people or an organization that has control of an amount of money or property and invests it on behalf of other people or as a charity. □ He had set up two charitable trusts.
11 N‑COUNT [N n] In Britain, a trust or a trust hospital is a public hospital that receives its funding directly from the national government. It has its own board of governors and is not controlled by the local health authority.
12 → see also trusting , unit trust
13 PHRASE If something valuable is kept in trust , it is held and protected by a group of people or an organization on behalf of other people. □ [+ for ] The British Library holds its collection in trust for the nation.
14 PHRASE If you take something on trust after having heard or read it, you believe it completely without checking it. □ He was adamant that the allegations were untrue, so I took him on trust.
15 tried and trusted → see tried
▸ trust to PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If you trust to luck or instinct, you hope that it will enable you to achieve what you are trying to do, because you have nothing else to help you. □ [V P n] I set off for the valley, trusting to luck. □ [V P n] Gardiner is simply trusting to instinct and experience. SYNONYMS trust NOUN 2
confidence: The events have contributed to the lack of confidence in the police.
belief: …a belief in personal liberty.
faith: She had placed a great deal of faith in Mr Penleigh.
trus|tee /trʌstiː / (trustees ) N‑COUNT A trustee is someone with legal control of money or property that is kept or invested for another person, company, or organization.
tru st fund (trust funds ) N‑COUNT A trust fund is an amount of money or property that someone owns, usually after inheriting it, but which is kept and invested for them.
trust|ing /trʌ st I ŋ/ ADJ A trusting person believes that people are honest and sincere and do not intend to harm him or her. □ She has an open, trusting nature.
trust|worthy /trʌ stwɜː r ði/ ADJ A trustworthy person is reliable, responsible, and can be trusted completely. □ He is a trustworthy and level-headed leader. ● trust|worthi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ He wrote a reference describing his reliability and trustworthiness.
trusty /trʌ sti/ ADJ [ADJ n] Trusty things, animals, or people are reliable and have always worked well in the past. □ She still drives her trusty black Corvette.
truth ◆◆◇ /truː θ/ (truths )
1 N‑UNCOUNT The truth about something is all the facts about it, rather than things that are imagined or invented. □ [+ about ] I must tell you the truth about this business. □ [+ of ] The truth of the matter is that we had no other choice. □ In the town very few know the whole truth.
2 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that there is some truth in a statement or story, you mean that it is true, or at least partly true. □ [+ in ] There is no truth in this story. □ [+ to ] Is there any truth to the rumors?
3 N‑COUNT A truth is something that is believed to be true. □ It is still a basic truth that women have to work harder than men to get to the same level.
4 → see also home truth , moment of truth
5 PHRASE You say in truth in order to indicate that you are giving your honest opinion about something. □ In truth, we were both unhappy.
6 PHRASE You say to tell you the truth or truth to tell in order to indicate that you are telling someone something in an open and honest way, without trying to hide anything. □ To tell you the truth, I was afraid to see him.
truth|ful /truː θfʊl/ ADJ If a person or their comments are truthful , they are honest and do not tell any lies. □ [+ about ] We've all learnt to be fairly truthful about our personal lives. □ She could not give him a truthful answer. ● truth|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ I answered all their questions truthfully. ● truth|ful|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ I can say, with absolute truthfulness, that I did not injure her.
try ◆◆◆ /tra I / (tries , trying , tried )
1 VERB If you try to do something, you want to do it, and you take action which you hope will help you to do it. □ [V to-inf] He secretly tried to block her advancement in the Party. □ [V adv] Does it annoy you if others don't seem to try hard enough? □ [V v-ing] I tried calling him when I got here but he wasn't at home. □ [V ] No matter how bad you feel, keep trying. ● N‑COUNT Try is also a noun. □ She didn't really expect to get any money out of him, but it seemed worth a try.
2 VERB To try and do something means to try to do it. [INFORMAL ] □ [V and inf] I must try and see him.
3 VERB If you try for something, you make an effort to get it or achieve it. □ [V + for ] My partner and I have been trying for a baby for two years. □ [V + for ] He said he was going to try for first place next year.
4 VERB If you try something new or different, you use it, do it, or experience it in order to discover its qualities or effects. □ [V n] It's best not to try a new recipe for the first time on such an important occasion. □ [V v-ing] I have tried painting the young shoots with weed poisoner, but this does not kill them off. ● N‑COUNT [usu sing] Try is also a noun. □ If you're still sceptical about exercising, we can only ask you to trust us and give it a try.
5 VERB If you try a particular place or person, you go to that place or person because you think that they may be able to provide you with what you want. □ [V n] Have you tried the local music shops?
6 VERB If you try a door or window, you try to open it. □ [V n] Bob tried the door. To his surprise, it opened.
7 VERB When a person is tried , he or she has to appear in a law court and is found innocent or guilty after the judge and jury have heard the evidence. When a legal case is tried , it is considered in a court of law. □ [be V -ed + for ] He suggested that those responsible should be tried for crimes against humanity. □ [be V -ed] Whether he is guilty is a decision that will be made when the case is tried in court. □ [V n] The military court which tried him excluded two of his lawyers.
8 N‑COUNT In the game of rugby, a try is the action of scoring by putting the ball down behind the goal line of the opposing team. □ The French, who led 21-3 at half time, scored eight tries.
9 → see also tried , trying
10 PHRASE [with neg] If you say that something fails but not for want of trying or not for lack of trying , you mean that everything possible was done to make it succeed. □ Not all is perfect, but it isn't for want of trying.
11 to try your best → see best
12 to try your hand → see hand ➊
13 to try your luck → see luck
14 to try someone's patience → see patience
▸ try on
1 PHRASAL VERB If you try on a piece of clothing, you put it on to see if it fits you or if it looks nice. □ [V P n] Try on clothing and shoes to make sure they fit. [Also V n P ]
2 PHRASAL VERB [usu cont] If you say that a person is trying it on , you mean that they are trying to obtain something or to impress someone, often in a slightly dishonest way and without much hope of success. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [V n P ] They're just trying it on–I don't believe they'll go this far.
▸ try out PHRASAL VERB If you try something out , you test it in order to find out how useful or effective it is or what it is like. □ [V n P ] She knew I wanted to try the boat out at the weekend. □ [V P n] The school hopes to try out the system in September.
try|ing /tra I I ŋ/
1 ADJ If you describe something or someone as trying , you mean that they are difficult to deal with and make you feel impatient or annoyed. □ Support from those closest to you is vital in these trying times.
2 → see also try
try|out /tra I aʊt/ (tryouts ) also try-out N‑COUNT If you give something a tryout , you try it or test it to see how useful it is. □ The recycling scheme gets its first try-out in rural parts of the county.
tryst /tr I st/ (trysts ) N‑COUNT A tryst is a meeting between lovers in a quiet secret place. [LITERARY ]
tsar /zɑː r / (tsars ) also czar
1 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In former times, the tsar was the king of Russia.
2 N‑COUNT A particular kind of tsar is a person who has been appointed by the government to deal with a particular problem that is affecting the country. □ She was appointed as the government's first mental health tsar for schools.
tsa|ri|na /zɑːriː nə/ (tsarinas ) also czarina N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In former times, a tsarina was the queen of Russia or the wife of the tsar.
tsar|ist /zɑː r I st/ also czarist ADJ [usu ADJ n] Tsarist means belonging to or supporting the system of government by a tsar, especially in Russia before 1917.
tset|se fly /tse tsi fla I / (tsetse flies ) also tsetse N‑VAR A tsetse fly or a tsetse is an African fly that feeds on blood and can cause serious diseases in the people and animals that it bites.
T -shirt (T-shirts ) also tee-shirt N‑COUNT A T-shirt is a cotton shirt with no collar or buttons. T-shirts usually have short sleeves.
tsp. (tsps ) In a recipe, tsp. is a written abbreviation for teaspoonful .
tsu|na|mi /tsʊnɑː mi/ (tsunamis ) N‑COUNT A tsunami is a very large wave, often caused by an earthquake, that flows onto the land and destroys things.
tub /tʌ b/ (tubs )
1 N‑COUNT A tub is a deep container of any size. □ He peeled the paper top off a little white tub and poured the cream into his coffee. ● N‑COUNT A tub of something is the amount of it contained in a tub. □ [+ of ] She would eat four tubs of ice cream in one sitting.
2 N‑COUNT A tub is the same as a bathtub . [AM ] □ She lay back in the tub.
3 → see also hot tub
tuba /tjuː bə, [AM ] tuː -/ (tubas ) N‑VAR A tuba is a large musical instrument of the brass family which produces very low notes. It consists of a long metal tube folded round several times with a wide opening at the end. You play the tuba by blowing into it.
tub|by /tʌ bi/ (tubbier , tubbiest ) ADJ If you describe someone as tubby , you mean that they are rather fat. [INFORMAL ]
tube ◆◇◇ /tjuː b, [AM ] tuː b/ (tubes )
1 N‑COUNT A tube is a long hollow object that is usually round, like a pipe. □ He is fed by a tube that enters his nose. □ …a cardboard tube.
2 N‑COUNT A tube of something such as paste is a long, thin container which you squeeze in order to force the paste out. □ [+ of ] …a tube of toothpaste. □ [+ of ] …a small tube of moisturizer.
3 N‑COUNT Some long, thin, hollow parts in your body are referred to as tubes . □ The lungs are in fact constructed of thousands of tiny tubes.
4 N‑SING [oft by N ] The tube is the underground railway system in London. [BRIT ] □ I took the tube then the train and came straight here.
5 N‑COUNT You can refer to the television as the tube . [AM , INFORMAL ] □ The only baseball he saw was on the tube. in BRIT, use the box
6 PHRASE If a business, economy, or institution goes down the tubes or goes down the tube , it fails or collapses completely. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □ The country was going down the tubes economically.
7 → see also bronchial tube , cathode-ray tube , fallopian tube , inner tube , test tube COLLOCATIONS tube NOUN 1
noun + tube : breathing, feeding; cardboard, metal, plastic, rubber
adjective + tube : fluorescent, hollow; flexible, long, narrow, thin
verb + tube : connect, insert, remove
tu|ber /tjuː bə r , [AM ] tuː -/ (tubers ) N‑COUNT A tuber is the swollen underground stem of particular types of plants.
tu|ber|cu|lar /tjuːbɜː r kjʊlə r , [AM ] tuː-/ ADJ Tubercular means suffering from, relating to, or causing tuberculosis. □ …tubercular patients. □ He died of tubercular meningitis. □ …tubercular bacteria.
tu|ber|cu|lo|sis /tjuːbɜː r kjʊloʊ s I s, [AM ] tuː-/ N‑UNCOUNT Tuberculosis is a serious infectious disease that affects someone's lungs and other parts of their body. The abbreviation TB is also used.
tu be top (tube tops ) N‑COUNT A tube top is a piece of women's clothing that is made of stretchy material and covers her chest but leaves her shoulders bare. [AM ] in BRIT, use boob tube
tub|ing /tjuː b I ŋ, [AM ] tuː -/ N‑UNCOUNT Tubing is plastic, rubber, or another material in the shape of a tube. □ …metres of plastic tubing.
tubu|lar /tjuː bjʊlə r , [AM ] tuː -/ ADJ Something that is tubular is long, round, and hollow in shape, like a tube. □ …a modern table with chrome tubular legs.
TUC /tiː juː siː / N‑PROPER In Britain, the TUC is an organization which represents trade unions, and to which most trade unions belong. TUC is an abbreviation for 'Trades Union Congress'.
tuck /tʌ k/ (tucks , tucking , tucked )
1 VERB If you tuck something somewhere, you put it there so that it is safe, comfortable, or neat. □ [V n prep] He tried to tuck his flapping shirt inside his trousers. □ [V -ed] She found a rose tucked under the windscreen wiper of her car one morning.
2 N‑COUNT You can use tuck to refer to a form of plastic surgery which involves reducing the size of a part of someone's body. □ She'd undergone 13 operations, including a tummy tuck.
▸ tuck away
1 PHRASAL VERB If you tuck away something such as money, you store it in a safe place. □ [V P n] The extra income has meant Phillippa can tuck away the rent. □ [V n P ] I tucked the box away in the linen drawer.
2 PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If someone or something is tucked away , they are well hidden in a quiet place where very few people go. □ [be V -ed P ] We were tucked away in a secluded corner of the room.
▸ tuck in
1 PHRASAL VERB If you tuck in a piece of material, you keep it in position by placing one edge or end of it behind or under something else. For example, if you tuck in your shirt, you place the bottom part of it inside your trousers or skirt. □ [V P n] 'Probably,' I said, tucking in my shirt. □ [V n P ] Tuck the sheets in firmly.
2 PHRASAL VERB If you tuck a child in bed or tuck them in , you make them comfortable by straightening the sheets and blankets and pushing the loose ends under the mattress. □ [V n P n] I read Lili a story and tucked her in her own bed. □ [V n P ] My mother would tuck me in, turn out the lights and tiptoe out.
▸ tuck into or tuck in PHRASAL VERB If someone tucks into a meal or tucks in , they start eating enthusiastically or hungrily. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [V P n] She tucked into a breakfast of scrambled eggs. □ [V P ] Tuck in, it's the last hot food you'll get for a while.
▸ tuck up PHRASAL VERB If you tuck a child up in bed, you tuck them in. [BRIT ] □ [V n P ] She tucked them up in bed. □ [V P n] He mostly stayed at home tucking up the children. □ [V -ed P ] She had gone to work believing Helen was safely tucked up in bed.
tuck|er /tʌ kə r / N‑UNCOUNT Tucker is food. [mainly AUSTRALIAN , INFORMAL ] □ …a man who knows what constitutes decent tucker and how to go about serving it up.
tuck|ered out /tʌ kə r d aʊ t/ or tuckered ADJ If you are tuckered or tuckered out , you are extremely tired. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ]
Tues. also Tue. Tues. is a written abbreviation for Tuesday .
Tues|day /tjuː zde I , -di, [AM ] tuː z-/ (Tuesdays ) N‑VAR Tuesday is the day after Monday and before Wednesday. □ He phoned on Tuesday, just before you came. □ On Tuesdays and Saturdays the market comes to town. □ They left Zeebrugge on Tuesday evening.
tuft /tʌ ft/ (tufts ) N‑COUNT A tuft of something such as hair or grass is a small amount of it which is growing together in one place or is held together at the bottom. □ [+ of ] He had a small tuft of hair on his chin.
tuft|ed /tʌ ft I d/ ADJ Something that is tufted has a tuft or tufts on it.
tug /tʌ g/ (tugs , tugging , tugged )
1 VERB If you tug something or tug at it, you give it a quick and usually strong pull. □ [V + at ] A little boy came running up and tugged at his sleeve excitedly. □ [V n] She kicked him, tugging his thick hair. [Also V ] ● N‑COUNT Tug is also a noun. □ [+ at ] I felt a tug at my sleeve.
2 N‑COUNT A tug or a tug boat is a small powerful boat which pulls large ships, usually when they come into a port.
tu g-of-lo ve N‑SING [usu N n] Journalists sometimes use tug-of-love to refer to a situation in which the parents of a child are divorced and one of the parents tries to get the child from the other, for example by taking him or her illegally. [BRIT ] □ A mother yesterday won a tug-of-love battle for custody of her twin daughters.
tu g-of-wa r (tugs-of-war ) also tug of war
1 N‑VAR A tug-of-war is a sports event in which two teams test their strength by pulling against each other on opposite ends of a rope.
2 N‑VAR You can use tug-of-war to refer to a situation in which two people or groups both want the same thing and are fairly equally matched in their struggle to get it. □ The team's No 8 was at the centre of a tug-of-war for his services between England and Wales.
tui|tion /tju I ʃ ə n, [AM ] tu-/
1 N‑UNCOUNT If you are given tuition in a particular subject, you are taught about that subject. □ [+ in ] The courses will give the beginner personal tuition in all types of outdoor photography.
2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use tuition to refer to the amount of money that you have to pay for being taught particular subjects, especially in a university, college, or private school. □ Angela's tuition at University this year will be paid for with scholarships.
tu|lip /tjuː l I p, [AM ] tuː -/ (tulips ) N‑COUNT Tulips are brightly coloured flowers that grow in the spring, and have oval or pointed petals packed closely together. WORD HISTORY tulip
Tulip comes from Turkish tulbend , meaning 'turban', because of the shape of the flowers.
tulle /tjuː l, [AM ] tuː l/ N‑UNCOUNT Tulle is a soft nylon or silk cloth similar to net, that is used for making evening dresses.
tum /tʌ m/ (tums ) N‑COUNT Your tum is your stomach. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]
tum|ble /tʌ mb ə l/ (tumbles , tumbling , tumbled )
1 VERB If someone or something tumbles somewhere, they fall there with a rolling or bouncing movement. □ [V prep/adv] A small boy tumbled off a third floor fire escape. □ [V prep/adv] He fell to the ground, and the gun tumbled out of his hand. ● N‑COUNT [usu sing] Tumble is also a noun. □ [+ from ] He injured his ribs in a tumble from his horse.
2 VERB If prices or levels of something are tumbling , they are decreasing rapidly. [JOURNALISM ] □ [V + by/from/to ] House prices have tumbled by almost 30 per cent in real terms since mid-1989. □ [V ] Share prices continued to tumble today on the stock market. □ [V -ing] …tumbling inflation. [Also V amount] ● N‑COUNT [usu sing] Tumble is also a noun. □ Oil prices took a tumble yesterday.
3 VERB If water tumbles , it flows quickly over an uneven surface. □ [V prep] Waterfalls crash and tumble over rocks. □ [V -ing] …the aromatic pines and tumbling streams of the Zonba Plateau. [Also V ]
4 VERB If you say that someone tumbles into a situation or place, you mean that they get into it without being fully in control of themselves or knowing what they are doing. [mainly BRIT ] □ [V + into ] The whole region seemed to be tumbling into crisis.
5 → see also rough and tumble
▸ tumble down PHRASAL VERB If a building tumbles down , it collapses or parts of it fall off, usually because it is old and no-one has taken care of it. □ [V P ] The outer walls looked likely to tumble down in a stiff wind.
tumble|down /tʌ mb ə ldaʊn/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A tumbledown building is in such a bad condition that it is partly falling down or has holes in it.
tu m|ble dry |er (tumble dryers ) also tumble drier N‑COUNT A tumble dryer is an electric machine which dries washing by turning it over and over and blowing warm air onto it. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use dryer
tum|bler /tʌ mblə r / (tumblers ) N‑COUNT A tumbler is a drinking glass with straight sides.
tumble|weed /tʌ mb ə lwiːd/ N‑UNCOUNT Tumbleweed is a plant that grows in desert areas in North America. It breaks off from its roots at the end of its life and then blows around on the ground. [AM ]
tum|my /tʌ mi/ (tummies )
1 N‑COUNT Your tummy is the part of the front of your body below your waist. Tummy is often used by children or by adults talking to children. □ Your baby's tummy should feel warm, but not hot.
2 N‑COUNT You can use tummy to refer to the parts inside your body where food is digested. Tummy is often used by children or by adults talking to children. □ It's easy to get a tummy upset from river water.
tu|mour /tjuː mə r , [AM ] tuː -/ (tumours ) in AM, use tumor N‑COUNT A tumour is a mass of diseased or abnormal cells that has grown in a person's or animal's body.
tu|mult /tjuː mʌlt, [AM ] tuː -/
1 N‑SING A tumult is a state of great confusion or excitement. □ [+ of ] A tumult of feelings inside her fought for supremacy. □ …the recent tumult in global financial markets.
2 N‑SING A tumult is a lot of noise made by a crowd of people. □ [+ of ] Round one ends, to a tumult of whistles, screams and shouts.
tu|mul|tu|ous /tjuːmʌ ltʃuəs, [AM ] tuː-/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A tumultuous event or period of time involves many exciting and confusing events or feelings. □ …the tumultuous changes in the war-torn region. □ Shares were 1 per cent down after another tumultuous day at the bank.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A tumultuous reaction to something is very noisy, because the people involved are very happy or excited. □ Delegates greeted the news with tumultuous applause.
tuna /tjuː nə, [AM ] tuː nə/ (tuna or tunas ) N‑VAR Tuna or tuna fish are large fish that live in warm seas and are caught for food. ● N‑UNCOUNT Tuna or tuna fish is this fish eaten as food. □ She began opening a tin of tuna.
tun|dra /tʌ ndrə/ (tundras ) N‑VAR Tundra is one of the large flat areas of land in the north of Europe, Asia, and America. The ground below the top layer of soil is always frozen and no trees grow there.
tune ◆◇◇ /tjuː n, [AM ] tuː n/ (tunes , tuning , tuned )
1 N‑COUNT A tune is a series of musical notes that is pleasant and easy to remember. □ She was humming a merry little tune.
2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a song or a short piece of music as a tune . □ She'll also be playing your favourite pop tunes.
3 VERB When someone tunes a musical instrument, they adjust it so that it produces the right notes. □ [V n] 'We do tune our guitars before we go on,' he insisted. ● PHRASAL VERB Tune up means the same as tune . □ [V P n] Others were quietly tuning up their instruments.
4 VERB [usu passive] When an engine or machine is tuned , it is adjusted so that it works well. □ [be V -ed] Drivers are urged to make sure that car engines are properly tuned. ● PHRASAL VERB Tune up means the same as tune . □ [V P n] How much do they charge to tune up a Porsche?
5 VERB [usu passive] If your radio or television is tuned to a particular broadcasting station, you are listening to or watching the programmes being broadcast by that station. □ [be V -ed + to ] A small television was tuned to an afternoon soap opera.
6 → see also fine-tune , signature tune , tuning fork
7 PHRASE If you say that a person or organization is calling the tune , you mean that they are in a position of power or control in a particular situation. □ Who would then be calling the tune in Parliament?
8 PHRASE If you say that someone has changed their tune , you are criticizing them because they have changed their opinion or way of doing things. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ You've changed your tune since this morning, haven't you?
9 PHRASE If you say that someone is dancing to someone else's tune , you mean that they are allowing themselves to be controlled by the other person. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Supermarkets buy meat at the lowest price and farmers have been forced to dance to their tune.
10 PHRASE A person or musical instrument that is in tune produces exactly the right notes. A person or musical instrument that is out of tune does not produce exactly the right notes. □ It was just an ordinary voice, but he sang in tune. □ Many of the notes are out of tune.
11 PHRASE If you are in tune with a group of people, you are in agreement or sympathy with them. If you are out of tune with them, you are not in agreement or sympathy with them. □ Today, his change of direction seems more in tune with the times. □ The peace campaigners were probably out of tune with most Britons.
12 PHRASE To the tune of a particular amount of money means to the extent of that amount. □ The company was in debt to the tune of £3 million.
13 he who pays the piper calls the tune → see piper
▸ tune in
1 PHRASAL VERB If you tune in to a particular television or radio station or programme, you watch or listen to it. □ [V P + to ] More than six million youngsters tune in to the show every day. □ [V P ] The idea that people plan their radio listening is nonsense; most tune in impulsively.
2 PHRASAL VERB If you tune in to something such as your own or other people's feelings, you become aware of them. □ [V P + to ] You can start now to tune in to your own physical, social and spiritual needs.
3 → see also tuned in
▸ tune up
1 PHRASAL VERB When a group of musicians tune up , they adjust their instruments so that they produce the right notes. □ [V P ] I could hear the sound of a band tuning up.
2 → see also tune 3 , tune 4
tu ned i n ADJ If someone is tuned in to something, they are aware of it and concentrating on it. □ [+ to ] He's just not tuned in to the child's feelings.
tune|ful /tjuː nfʊl, [AM ] tuː n-/ ADJ A piece of music that is tuneful has a pleasant tune.
tune|less /tjuː nləs, [AM ] tuː n-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Tuneless music and voices do not sound pleasant. □ Someone walked by, singing a tuneless song. ● tune|less|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ My dad whistled tunelessly through his teeth.
tun|er /tjuː nə r , [AM ] tuː n-/ (tuners ) N‑COUNT The tuner in a radio or television set is the part which you adjust to receive different radio or television signals, so that you can watch or listen to the programme that you want.
tung|sten /tʌ ŋstən/ N‑UNCOUNT Tungsten is a greyish-white metal.
tu|nic /tjuː n I k, [AM ] tuː -/ (tunics ) N‑COUNT A tunic is a sleeveless garment that is worn on the top part of your body.
tu n|ing fork (tuning forks ) N‑COUNT A tuning fork is a small steel instrument which is used to tune instruments by striking it against something to produce a note of fixed musical pitch.
Tu|ni|sian /tjuːn I ziən, [AM ] tuːn-/ (Tunisians )
1 ADJ Tunisian means belonging to or relating to Tunisia, or to its people or culture.
2 N‑COUNT A Tunisian is a person who comes from Tunisia.
tun|nel ◆◇◇ /tʌ n ə l/ (tunnels , tunnelling , tunnelled ) in AM, use tunneling , tunneled 1 N‑COUNT A tunnel is a long passage which has been made under the ground, usually through a hill or under the sea. □ [+ through ] …two new railway tunnels through the Alps.
2 VERB To tunnel somewhere means to make a tunnel there. □ [V prep/adv] The rebels tunnelled out of a maximum security jail. [Also V ]
3 → see also wind tunnel
tu n|nel vi |sion
1 N‑UNCOUNT If you suffer from tunnel vision , you are unable to see things that are not straight in front of you.
2 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone has tunnel vision , you disapprove of them because they are concentrating completely on achieving a particular aim, and do not notice or consider all the different aspects of what they are doing. [DISAPPROVAL ]
tup|pence /tʌ pəns/ N‑UNCOUNT In Britain, tuppence was two old pence. [INFORMAL ]
Tup|per|ware /tʌ pə r weə r / N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Tupperware is a range of plastic containers with tight-fitting lids that are used for storing food. [TRADEMARK ] □ …a Tupperware box.
tur|ban /tɜː r bən/ (turbans ) N‑COUNT A turban is a long piece of cloth that is wound round the head. It is worn by Sikh men and by some Hindu and Muslim men.
tur|bine /tɜː r ba I n, [AM ] -b I n/ (turbines ) N‑COUNT A turbine is a machine or engine which uses a stream of air, gas, water, or steam to turn a wheel and produce power.
turbo /tɜː r boʊ/ (turbos ) N‑COUNT A turbo is a fan in the engine of a car or plane that improves its performance by using exhaust gases to blow fuel vapour into the engine.
tu rbo-charged also turbocharged ADJ [usu ADJ n] A turbo-charged engine or vehicle is fitted with a turbo.
tur|bo|prop /tɜː r boʊprɒp/ (turboprops ) also turbo-prop
1 N‑COUNT A turboprop is a turbine engine that makes an aircraft propeller go round.
2 N‑COUNT A turboprop is an aircraft with one or more turboprops.
tur|bot /tɜː r bət/ (turbot ) N‑VAR Turbot are a type of edible flat fish that live in European seas. ● N‑UNCOUNT Turbot is this fish eaten as food.
tur|bu|lence /tɜː r bjʊləns/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Turbulence is a state of confusion and disorganized change. □ The 1960s and early 1970s were a time of change and turbulence.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Turbulence is violent and uneven movement within a particular area of air, liquid, or gas. □ His plane encountered severe turbulence and winds of nearly two-hundred miles an hour.
tur|bu|lent /tɜː r bjʊlənt/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A turbulent time, place, or relationship is one in which there is a lot of change, confusion, and disorder. □ They had been together for five or six turbulent years of rows and reconciliations.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Turbulent water or air contains strong currents which change direction suddenly. □ I had to have a boat that could handle turbulent seas.
turd /tɜː r d/ (turds ) N‑COUNT A turd is a lump of faeces. [INFORMAL , RUDE ]
tu|reen /tjʊəriː n, [AM ] tʊr-/ (tureens ) N‑COUNT A tureen is a large bowl with a lid from which you can serve soup or vegetables.
turf /tɜː r f/ (turfs , turfing , turfed )
1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Turf is short, thick, even grass. □ They shuffled slowly down the turf towards the cliff's edge.
2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu poss N ] Someone's turf is the area which is most familiar to them or where they feel most confident. □ Their turf was Paris: its streets, theaters, homes, and parks.
▸ turf out PHRASAL VERB If someone is turfed out of a place or position, they are forced to leave. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [be V -ed P ] We hear stories of people being turfed out and ending up on the streets. □ [be V -ed P + of ] The party was turfed out of office after 15 years. □ [V P n] …the right wing landslide which has turfed out the government. [Also V n P ]
tu rf war (turf wars ) or turf battle
1 N‑COUNT A turf war is a struggle between criminals or gangs over who controls a particular area. [mainly JOURNALISM ] □ [+ between ] The estate is at the centre of a bitter turf war between rival gangs. [Also + over ]
2 N‑COUNT A turf war is a struggle between people over who controls a particular activity. [mainly JOURNALISM ] □ [+ between ] Both sides say this is more than just a turf war between big and small banks. [Also + over ]
tur|gid /tɜː r dʒ I d/ ADJ If you describe something such as a piece of writing or a film as turgid , you think it is boring and difficult to understand. □ He used to make extremely dull, turgid and frankly boring speeches.
Turk /tɜː r k/ (Turks ) N‑COUNT A Turk is a person who comes from Turkey.
tur|key /tɜː r ki/ (turkeys )
1 N‑COUNT A turkey is a large bird that is kept on a farm for its meat. ● N‑UNCOUNT Turkey is the flesh of this bird eaten as food. □ It's a proper Christmas dinner, with turkey and bread sauce.
2 → see also cold turkey
Turk|ish /tɜː r k I ʃ/
1 ADJ Turkish means belonging or relating to Turkey, or to its people, language, or culture.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Turkish is the main language spoken in Turkey.
Tu rk|ish ba th (Turkish baths )
1 N‑COUNT A Turkish bath is a type of bath in which you sit in a very hot steamy room, then wash, have a massage, and finally swim or shower in very cold water.
2 N‑COUNT A Turkish bath is a place where you can have a Turkish bath.
Tu rk|ish de|li ght (Turkish delights ) N‑VAR Turkish delight is a jelly-like sweet that is covered with powdered sugar or chocolate.
tur|mer|ic /tɜː r mər I k/ N‑UNCOUNT Turmeric is a yellow spice that is used to flavour food such as curry.
tur|moil /tɜː r mɔ I l/ (turmoils ) N‑VAR [oft in N ] Turmoil is a state of confusion, disorder, uncertainty, or great anxiety. □ [+ of ] …the political turmoil of 1989. □ Her life was in turmoil.
turn ◆◆◆ /tɜː r n/ (turns , turning , turned ) Turn is used in a large number of other expressions which are explained under other words in the dictionary. For example, the expression 'turn over a new leaf' is explained at leaf . 1 VERB When you turn or when you turn part of your body, you move your body or part of your body so that it is facing in a different or opposite direction. □ [V ] He turned abruptly and walked away. □ [V prep/adv] He sighed, turning away and surveying the sea. □ [V n adv/prep] He turned his head left and right. [Also V n] ● PHRASAL VERB Turn around or turn round means the same as turn . □ [V P ] I felt a tapping on my shoulder and I turned around. □ [V n P ] Turn your upper body round so that your shoulders are facing to the side.
2 VERB When you turn something, you move it so that it is facing in a different or opposite direction, or is in a very different position. □ [V n prep/adv] They turned their telescopes towards other nearby galaxies. □ [V n to-inf] She had turned the bedside chair to face the door. □ [V -ed] The lid, turned upside down, served as a coffee table.
3 VERB When something such as a wheel turns , or when you turn it, it continually moves around in a particular direction. □ [V ] As the wheel turned, the potter shaped the clay. □ [V n] The engine turned a propeller.
4 VERB When you turn something such as a key, knob, or switch, or when it turns , you hold it and twist your hand, in order to open something or make it start working. □ [V n] Turn a special key, press the brake pedal, and your car's brakes lock. □ [V n prep/adv] Turn the heat to very low and cook for 20 minutes. □ [V ] I tried the doorknob and it turned.
5 VERB When you turn in a particular direction or turn a corner, you change the direction in which you are moving or travelling. □ [V prep/adv] Now turn right to follow West Ferry Road. □ [V n] The man with the umbrella turned the corner again. ● N‑COUNT Turn is also a noun. □ You can't do a right-hand turn here.
6 VERB The point where a road, path, or river turns , is the point where it has a bend or curve in it. □ [V prep/adv] …the corner where Tenterfield Road turned into the main road. [Also V ] ● N‑COUNT Turn is also a noun. □ [+ in ] …a sharp turn in the road.
7 VERB When the tide turns , it starts coming in or going out. □ [V ] There was not much time before the tide turned.
8 VERB When you turn a page of a book or magazine, you move it so that is flat against the previous page, and you can read the next page. □ [V n] He turned the pages of a file in front of him.
9 VERB If you turn a weapon or an aggressive feeling on someone, you point it at them or direct it at them. □ [V n + on ] He tried to turn the gun on me. □ [V n + on ] The crowd than turned their anger on the Prime Minister.
10 VERB If you turn to a particular page in a book or magazine, you open it at that page. □ [V + to ] To order, turn to page 236.
11 VERB If you turn your attention or thoughts to a particular subject or if you turn to it, you start thinking about it or discussing it. □ [V n + to ] We turned our attention to the practical matters relating to forming a company. □ [V + to ] We turn now to the British news.
12 VERB If you turn to someone, you ask for their help or advice. □ [V + to ] For assistance, they turned to one of the city's most innovative museums.
13 VERB If you turn to a particular activity, job, or way of doing something, you start doing or using it. □ [V + to/from ] These communities are now turning to recycling in large numbers.
14 VERB To turn or be turned into something means to become that thing. □ [V + into/to ] A prince turns into a frog in this cartoon fairytale. □ [V n + into ] …an ambitious programme to turn the country into a functioning democracy. [Also V n + to ]
15 V‑LINK You can use turn before an adjective to indicate that something or someone changes by acquiring the quality described by the adjective. □ [V adj] If the bailiff thinks that things could turn nasty, he will enlist the help of the police.
16 V‑LINK If something turns a particular colour or if something turns it a particular colour, it becomes that colour. □ [V colour] The sea would turn pale pink and the sky blood red. □ [V n colour] Her contact lenses turned her eyes green.
17 V‑LINK You can use turn to indicate that there is a change to a particular kind of weather. For example, if it turns cold, the weather starts being cold. □ [V adj] If it turns cold, cover plants.
18 N‑COUNT If a situation or trend takes a particular kind of turn , it changes so that it starts developing in a different or opposite way. □ The scandal took a new turn over the weekend. [Also + in ]
19 VERB [no passive] If a business turns a profit, it earns more money than it spends. [AM , BUSINESS ] □ [V n] The firm will be able to service debt and still turn a modest profit. in BRIT, use make , return 20 VERB When someone turns a particular age, they pass that age. When it turns a particular time, it passes that time. □ [V n] It was his ambition to accumulate a million dollars before he turned thirty.
21 N‑SING Turn is used in expressions such as the turn of the century and the turn of the year to refer to a period of time when one century or year is ending and the next one is beginning. □ [+ of ] They fled to South America around the turn of the century.
22 VERB When someone turns a wooden or metal object that they are making, they shape it using a special tool. □ [V n] …the joys of making a living from turning wood.
23 N‑COUNT [usu with poss, oft N to-inf, N -ing] If it is your turn to do something, you now have the duty, chance, or right to do it, when other people have done it before you or will do it after you. □ Tonight it's my turn to cook. □ [+ at ] Let each child have a turn at fishing.
24 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is having a turn , you mean they feel suddenly very unwell for a short period of time. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]
25 → see also turning
26 PHRASE You can use by turns to indicate that someone has two particular emotions or qualities, one after the other. □ His tone was by turns angry and aggrieved.
27 PHRASE If there is a particular turn of events , a particular series of things happen. □ They were horrified at this unexpected turn of events.
28 PHRASE If you say that something happens at every turn , you are emphasizing that it happens frequently or all the time, usually so that it prevents you from achieving what you want. [EMPHASIS ] □ Its operations were hampered at every turn by inadequate numbers of trained staff.
29 PHRASE If you do someone a good turn , you do something that helps or benefits them. □ He did you a good turn by resigning.
30 PHRASE If someone turns a place inside out or upside down , they search it very thoroughly and usually make it very untidy. □ They hadn't found a scrap of evidence though they had turned his flat inside out.
31 PHRASE If something such as a system or way of life is turned inside out or upside down , it is changed completely, making people confused or upset. □ He felt too shocked to move. His world had been turned upside down.
32 PHRASE You use in turn to refer to actions or events that are in a sequence one after the other, for example because one causes the other. □ One of the team members leaked the story to a colleague who, in turn, told a reporter.
33 PHRASE If each person in a group does something in turn , they do it one after the other in a fixed or agreed order. □ There were cheers for each of the women as they spoke in turn.
34 PHRASE If you speak out of turn or talk out of turn , you say something that you do not have the right or authority to say. □ I hope I haven't spoken out of turn.
35 PHRASE If two or more people take turns to do something, or in British English take it in turns to do something, they do it one after the other several times, rather than doing it together. □ We took turns to drive the car.
36 PHRASE If a situation takes a turn for the worse , it suddenly becomes worse. If a situation takes a turn for the better , it suddenly becomes better. □ Her condition took a sharp turn for the worse.
▸ turn against PHRASAL VERB If you turn against someone or something, or if you are turned against them, you stop supporting them, trusting them, or liking them. □ [V P n] A kid I used to be friends with turned against me after being told that I'd been insulting him. □ [V n P n] Working with the police has turned me against the use of violent scenes as entertainment.
▸ turn around or turn round
1 → see turn 1
2 PHRASAL VERB If you turn something around , or if it turns around , it is moved so that it faces the opposite direction. □ [V n P ] Bud turned the truck around, and started back for Dalton Pond. □ [V P n] He had reached over to turn round a bottle of champagne so that the label didn't show. □ [V P ] There was enough room for a wheelchair to get in but not to turn round.
3 PHRASAL VERB If something such as a business or economy turns around , or if someone turns it around , it becomes successful, after being unsuccessful for a period of time. [BUSINESS ] □ [V n P ] Turning the company around won't be easy. □ [V P n] In his long career at BP, Horton turned around two entire divisions. □ [V P ] If the economy turned round the government's authority would quickly increase.
4 PHRASAL VERB If you turn around a question, sentence, or idea, you change the way in which it is expressed, in order to consider it differently. □ [V n P ] What's the point of history? Let's turn the question around: imagine a world with the history written out. □ [V P n] It's an example of how you can turn around the sentence and create a whole new meaning.
5 → see also turnaround
6 PHRASE If you say that someone turns around and says something, you are indicating that they say it unexpectedly or angrily, especially in order to criticize another person or to defend themselves. [INFORMAL ] □ I feel that if I say how tired I get, David will turn around and say, 'I told you so'.
▸ turn away
1 PHRASAL VERB If you turn someone away , you do not allow them to enter your country, home, or other place. □ [V n P ] Turning refugees away would be an inhumane action. □ [V P n] Hard times are forcing community colleges to turn away students.
2 PHRASAL VERB To turn away from something such as a method or an idea means to stop using it or to become different from it. □ [V P + from ] Japanese corporations have been turning away from production into finance.
▸ turn back
1 PHRASAL VERB If you turn back or if someone turns you back when you are going somewhere, you change direction and go towards where you started from. □ [V P prep/adv] She turned back towards the crossroads. □ [V P ] They were very nearly forced to turn back. □ [V P n] Police attempted to turn back protesters marching towards parliament. [Also V n P ]
2 PHRASAL VERB If you cannot turn back , you cannot change your plans and decide not to do something, because the action you have already taken makes it impossible. □ [V P ] The administration has now endorsed the bill and can't turn back.
▸ turn down
1 PHRASAL VERB If you turn down a person or their request or offer, you refuse their request or offer. □ [V n P ] Before this I'd have smiled and turned her down. □ [V P n] Would you turn down $7,000,000 to appear nude in a magazine?
2 PHRASAL VERB When you turn down a radio, heater, or other piece of equipment, you reduce the amount of sound or heat being produced, by adjusting the controls. □ [V n P ] He kept turning the central heating down. □ [V P n] She could not bear the relentless music and turned down the volume.
▸ turn in
1 PHRASAL VERB When you turn in , you go to bed. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P ] Would you like some tea before you turn in?
2 PHRASAL VERB If you turn someone in , you take them to the police or tell the police where they are because they are suspected of committing a crime. If you turn yourself in , you go to the police because you have been involved in a crime. □ [V n P + to ] He has been given until noon today to turn himself in to the authorities. □ [V n P ] There would be strong incentives to turn someone in. □ [V P n] I might today hesitate to turn in a burglar.
3 PHRASAL VERB When you turn in a completed piece of work, especially written work, you give it to the person who asked you to do it. □ [V P n] Now we wait for them to turn in their essays. □ [V n P ] I want everybody to turn a report in.
4 PHRASAL VERB If you turn something in , you return it to the place or person you borrowed it from. [mainly AM ] □ [V P n] I went back to the station-house to turn in my badge and gun. [Also V n P ]
▸ turn off
1 PHRASAL VERB If you turn off the road or path you are going along, you start going along a different road or path which leads away from it. □ [V P n] The truck turned off the main road along the gravelly track which led to the farm. □ [V P ] He turned off only to find he was trapped in a town square with no easy exit.
2 → see also turn-off
3 PHRASAL VERB When you turn off a piece of equipment or a supply of something, you stop heat, sound, or water being produced by adjusting the controls. □ [V n P ] The light's a bit too harsh. You can turn it off. □ [V P n] I have to get up and turn off the radio.
4 PHRASAL VERB If something turns you off a particular subject or activity, it makes you have no interest in it. □ [V n P n] What turns teenagers off science and technology? □ [V n P ] Teaching off a blackboard is boring, and undoubtedly turns people off. [Also V P n]
5 PHRASAL VERB If something or someone turns you off , you do not find them sexually attractive or they stop you feeling sexually excited. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n P ] Aggressive men turn me off completely. [Also V P n]
6 → see also turn-off
▸ turn on
1 PHRASAL VERB When you turn on a piece of equipment or a supply of something, you cause heat, sound, or water to be produced by adjusting the controls. □ [V P n] I want to turn on the television. □ [V n P ] She asked them why they hadn't turned the lights on.
2 PHRASAL VERB If someone or something turns you on , they attract you and make you feel sexually excited. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n P ] The body that turns men on doesn't have to be perfect. [Also V P n (not pron)]
3 → see also turn-on
4 PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone turns on a particular way of behaving, you mean that they suddenly start behaving in that way, and you are often also suggesting that this is insincere. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P n] He could also turn on the style when the occasion demanded. [Also V n P ]
5 PHRASAL VERB If someone turns on you, they attack you or speak angrily to you. □ [V P n] Demonstrators turned on police, overturning vehicles and setting fire to them.
6 PHRASAL VERB If something turns on a particular thing, its success or truth depends on that thing. □ [V P n] The plot turns on an encounter with a boyhood friend.
▸ turn out
1 PHRASAL VERB If something turns out a particular way, it happens in that way or has the result or degree of success indicated. □ [V P prep] If I had known my life was going to turn out like this, I would have let them kill me. □ [V P n] Sometimes things don't turn out the way we think they're going to. □ [V P adj] I was positive things were going to turn out fine.
2 PHRASAL VERB When you are commenting on pleasant weather, you can say that is has turned out nice or fine, especially if this is unexpected. [BRIT , SPOKEN ] □ [V P adj] It's turned out nice again.
3 PHRASAL VERB If something turns out to be a particular thing, it is discovered to be that thing. □ [V P to-inf] Cosgrave's forecast turned out to be quite wrong. □ [V -ed P that] It turned out that I knew the person who got shot.
4 PHRASAL VERB When you turn out something such as a light or gas, you move the switch or knob that controls it so that it stops giving out light or heat. □ [V n P ] I'll just play until the janitor comes round to turn the lights out. [Also V P n]
5 PHRASAL VERB If a business or other organization turns out something, it produces it. □ [V P n] They have been turning out great blades for 400 years. [Also V n P ]
6 PHRASAL VERB If you turn someone out of a place, especially the place where they have been living, you force them to leave that place. □ [V n P + of/from ] Surely nobody would suggest turning him out of the house. □ [V n P ] It was previously a small monastery but the authorities turned all the monks out. [Also V P n]
7 PHRASAL VERB If you turn out the contents of a container, you empty it by removing them or letting them fall out. □ [V P n] Turn out the dough on to a floured surface. □ [V n P + of/from ] Turn the plants out of their pots. [Also V n P ]
8 PHRASAL VERB If people turn out for a particular event or activity, they go and take part in it or watch it. □ [V P + for ] Thousands of people turned out for the funeral. □ [V P ] It was no wonder the fans turned out. The matches yielded 259 goals.
9 → see also turned out , turnout
▸ turn over
1 PHRASAL VERB If you turn something over , or if it turns over , it is moved so that the top part is now facing downwards. □ [V n P ] Liz picked up the blue envelope and turned it over curiously. □ [V P n] She sat down and turned over the test paper □ [V P ] The buggy turned over and Nancy was thrown out.
2 PHRASAL VERB If you turn over , for example when you are lying in bed, you move your body so that you are lying in a different position. □ [V P ] Ann turned over in her bed once more.
3 PHRASAL VERB If you turn something over in your mind, you think carefully about it. □ [V n P + in ] Even when she didn't say anything you could see her turning things over in her mind.
4 PHRASAL VERB If you turn something over to someone, you give it to them when they ask for it, because they have a right to it. □ [V n P + to ] I would, indeed, turn the evidence over to the police. □ [V P n] The lawyer turned over the release papers. [Also V n P ]
5 PHRASAL VERB If you turn over a job or responsibility that you have, you give it to someone else, so that you no longer have it. □ [V P n + to ] The King may turn over some of his official posts to his son. [Also V n P ]
6 PHRASAL VERB If you turn over when you are watching television, you change to another channel. □ [V P ] Whenever he's on TV, I turn over.
7 → see also turnover
▸ turn over to PHRASAL VERB If you turn something over to a different function or use, you change its function or use. □ [V n P P n] When he first leased the land in the late 1970s, he planned to turn it over to cereal production.
▸ turn round → see turn around
▸ turn up
1 PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone or something turns up , you mean that they arrive, often unexpectedly or after you have been waiting a long time. □ [V P ] Richard had turned up on Christmas Eve with Tony.
2 PHRASAL VERB If you turn something up or if it turns up , you find, discover, or notice it. □ [V P n] Investigations have never turned up any evidence. □ [V P ] …a very rare 15th-century spoon, which turned up in an old house in Devon. [Also V n P ]
3 PHRASAL VERB When you turn up a radio, heater, or other piece of equipment, you increase the amount of sound, heat, or power being produced, by adjusting the controls. □ [V P n] Bill would turn up the TV in the other room. □ [V n P ] I turned the volume up. □ [V n P adj] Turn the heat up high.
turn|about /tɜː r nəbaʊt/ N‑SING A turnabout is a complete change in opinion, attitude, or method. □ [+ in ] As her confidence grows you may well see a considerable turnabout in her attitude.
turn|around /tɜː r nəraʊnd/ (turnarounds )
1 N‑COUNT A turnaround is a complete change in opinion, attitude, or method. □ [+ in ] I have personally never done such a complete turnaround in my opinion of a person.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A turnaround is a sudden improvement, especially in the success of a business or a country's economy. □ [+ in ] The deal marks a turnaround in the company's fortunes.
3 N‑VAR The turnaround or turnaround time of a task, for example the unloading of an aircraft or ship, is the amount of time that it takes. □ It is possible to produce a result within 34 hours but the standard turnaround is 12 days. □ The agency should reduce turnaround time by 11 per cent.
turn|coat /tɜː r nkoʊt/ (turncoats ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a turncoat , you think they are disloyal or deceitful, because they have left their party or organization and joined an opposing one. [DISAPPROVAL ]
tu rned ou t ◆◇◇ ADJ [adv ADJ ] If you are well turned out or smartly turned out , you are dressed smartly. □ …a well-turned-out young chap in a black suit.
turn|ing /tɜː r n I ŋ/ (turnings )
1 N‑COUNT If you take a particular turning , you go along a road which leads away from the side of another road. □ Take the next turning on the right.
2 → see also turn
tu rn|ing point (turning points ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A turning point is a time at which an important change takes place which affects the future of a person or thing. □ [+ in/for ] The vote yesterday appears to mark something of a turning point in the war.
tur|nip /tɜː r n I p/ (turnips ) N‑VAR A turnip is a round vegetable with a greenish-white skin that is the root of a crop.
tu rn-off (turn-offs )
1 N‑COUNT A turn-off is a road leading away from a major road or a motorway.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Something that is a turn-off causes you to lose interest or sexual excitement. [INFORMAL ]
tu rn-on (turn-ons ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Something or someone that is a turn-on is sexually exciting. [INFORMAL ]
turn|out /tɜː r naʊt/ (turnouts ) also turn-out
1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The turnout at an event is the number of people who go to it or take part in it. □ On the big night there was a massive turnout.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The turnout in an election is the number of people who vote in it, as a proportion of the number of people who have the right to vote in it. □ [+ of ] Election officials said the turnout of voters was low. □ A high turnout was reported at the polling booths.
turn|over /tɜː r noʊvə r / (turnovers )
1 N‑VAR The turnover of a company is the value of the goods or services sold during a particular period of time. [BUSINESS ] □ [+ of ] The company had a turnover of £3.8 million.
2 N‑VAR The turnover of people in an organization or place is the rate at which people leave and are replaced. [BUSINESS ] □ Short-term contracts increase staff turnover. [Also + of ]
turn|pike /tɜː r npa I k/ (turnpikes ) N‑COUNT A turnpike is a road, especially an expressway, which people have to pay to drive on. [mainly AM ]
turn|round /tɜː r nraʊnd/ N‑SING A turnround is the same as a turnaround .
tu rn sig|nal (turn signals ) N‑COUNT A car's turn signals are the flashing lights that tell you it is going to turn left or right. [AM ] in BRIT, use indicators
turn|stile /tɜː r nsta I l/ (turnstiles ) N‑COUNT A turnstile is a mechanical barrier at the entrance to a place such as a museum or a football ground. Turnstiles have metal arms that you push round as you go through them and enter the building or area.
turn|table /tɜː r nte I b ə l/ (turntables ) N‑COUNT A turntable is the flat, round part of a record player on which a record is put when it is played.
tu rn-up (turn-ups ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The turn-ups on a pair of trousers are the parts which are folded over at the ends of the legs. [BRIT ] in AM, use cuffs
tur|pen|tine /tɜː r pənta I n/ N‑UNCOUNT Turpentine is a colourless liquid used, for example, for cleaning paint off brushes.
tur|pi|tude /tɜː r p I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ N‑UNCOUNT Turpitude is very immoral behaviour. [FORMAL ]
tur|quoise /tɜː r kwɔ I z/ (turquoises ) COLOUR Turquoise or turquoise blue is used to describe things that are of a light greenish-blue colour. □ …a clear turquoise sea.
tur|ret /tʌ r I t, [AM ] tɜː r-/ (turrets )
1 N‑COUNT A turret is a small narrow tower on top of a building or a larger tower.
2 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] The turret on a tank or warship is the part where the guns are fixed, which can be turned in any direction.
tur|tle /tɜː r t ə l/ (turtles )
1 N‑COUNT A turtle is a large reptile which has a thick shell covering its body and which lives in the sea most of the time. [BRIT ] in AM, use sea turtle 2 N‑COUNT A turtle is any reptile that has a thick shell around its body, for example a tortoise or terrapin. [AM ]
turtle|neck /tɜː r t ə lnek/ (turtlenecks )
1 N‑COUNT A turtleneck or turtleneck sweater is a sweater with a short round collar that fits closely around your neck. [BRIT ] in AM, use mock turtleneck 2 N‑COUNT A turtleneck or turtleneck sweater is a sweater with a high neck which folds over. [AM ] in BRIT, use polo neck
tusk /tʌ sk/ (tusks ) N‑COUNT The tusks of an elephant, wild boar, or walrus are its two very long, curved, pointed teeth.
tus|sle /tʌ s ə l/ (tussles , tussling , tussled )
1 VERB If one person tussles with another, or if they tussle , they get hold of each other and struggle or fight. □ [V + with ] They ended up ripping down perimeter fencing and tussling with the security staff. □ [V + over ] He grabbed my microphone and we tussled over that. □ [V ] James and Elliott tussled. ● N‑COUNT Tussle is also a noun. □ [+ with ] The referee booked him for a tussle with the goalie.
2 VERB If one person tussles with another for something, or if they tussle for it, they try to beat each other in order to get it. [JOURNALISM ] □ [V with ] The two athletes tussled with each other for fourth place. □ [V + for/over ] Officials tussled over who had responsibility for the newly fashionable unemployment agenda. ● N‑COUNT Tussle is also a noun. □ [+ over ] …a legal tussle over who gets custody of the children.
3 VERB If someone tussles with a difficult problem or issue, they try hard to solve it. [JOURNALISM ] □ [V + with ] He is tussling with the problem of what to do about inflation.
tus|sock /tʌ sək/ (tussocks ) N‑COUNT A tussock is a small piece of grass which is much longer and thicker than the grass around it.
tut /tʌ t/ (tuts , tutting , tutted )
1 Tut is used in writing to represent the sound that you make with your tongue touching the top of your mouth when you want to indicate disapproval, annoyance, or sympathy.
2 VERB If you tut , you make a sound with your tongue touching the top of your mouth when you want to indicate disapproval, annoyance, or sympathy. □ [V ] He tutted and shook his head.
tu|telage /tjuː t I l I dʒ, [AM ] tuː t-/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu under N ] If one person, group, or country does something under the tutelage of another, they do it while they are being taught or guided by them. [FORMAL ]
tu|tor /tjuː tə r , [AM ] tuː t-/ (tutors , tutoring , tutored )
1 N‑COUNT A tutor is a teacher at a British university or college. In some American universities or colleges, a tutor is a teacher of the lowest rank. □ [+ in ] He is course tutor in archaeology at the University of Southampton.
2 N‑COUNT A tutor is someone who gives private lessons to one pupil or a very small group of pupils.
3 VERB If someone tutors a person or a subject, they teach that person or subject. □ [V n + in ] The old man was tutoring her in the stringed instruments. □ [V n] …at the college where I tutored a two-day Introduction to Chairmaking course. □ [V + in ] I tutored in economics. [Also V ]
tu|to|rial /tjuːtɔː riəl, [AM ] tuː t-/ (tutorials )
1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] In a university or college, a tutorial is a regular meeting between a tutor and one or several students, for discussion of a subject that is being studied. □ …teaching in small tutorial groups.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Tutorial means relating to a tutor or tutors, especially one at a university or college. □ …the tutorial staff.
tu t-tu t (tut-tuts , tut-tutting , tut-tutted ) also tut tut
1 CONVENTION Tut-tut is used in writing to represent the sound that you make with your tongue touching the top of your mouth when you want to indicate disapproval, annoyance, or sympathy. [FEELINGS ]
2 VERB If you tut-tut about something, you express your disapproval of it, especially by making a sound with your tongue touching the top of your mouth. □ [V + about ] We all spent a lot of time tut-tutting about Angie and her lifestyle. □ [V ] The doctor tut-tutted, dismissing my words as excuses.
tutu /tuː tuː/ (tutus ) N‑COUNT A tutu is a costume worn by female ballet dancers. It has a very short stiff skirt made of many layers of material that sticks out from the waist.
tux /tʌ ks/ (tuxes ) N‑COUNT A tux is the same as a tuxedo . [INFORMAL ]
tux|edo /tʌksiː doʊ/ (tuxedos ) N‑COUNT A tuxedo is a black or white jacket worn by men for formal social events. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use dinner jacket
TV ◆◆◇ /tiː viː / (TVs ) N‑VAR TV means the same as television . □ The TV was on. □ I prefer going to the cinema to watching TV. □ …a TV commercial.
T V di n|ner (TV dinners ) N‑COUNT A TV dinner is a complete meal that is sold in a single container. It can be heated up quickly and eaten from the container it is cooked in.
twad|dle /twɒ d ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to something that someone says as twaddle , you mean that it is silly or untrue. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]
twang /twæ ŋ/ (twangs , twanging , twanged )
1 VERB If you twang something such as a tight string or elastic band, or if it twangs , it makes a fairly loud, ringing sound because it has been pulled and then released. □ [V n] …people who sat at the back of class and twanged an elastic band. □ [V -ing] The song is a fiery mix of twanging guitar with relentless drumming. □ [V ] The fiddle began to twang. ● N‑COUNT Twang is also a noun. □ Something gave a loud discordant twang.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A twang is a quality in someone's way of speaking in which sound seems to be coming through the nose. □ …her broad Australian twang.
twat /twɒ t/ (twats ) N‑COUNT If someone calls another person a twat , they are insulting them and showing that they do not like or respect them. [INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ]
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