adj
Uncommon
turbo
TUR-boh
Turbo (adj) means relating to or producing increased speed or power, especially via a turbocharger. Example: “He upgraded to the turbo model for extra acceleration.”
adj
1
Relating to or producing increased speed or power, especially via a turbocharger.
"He upgraded to the turbo model for extra acceleration."
"The turbo engine gave the little hatchback surprising power on steep hills."
"She chose the turbo setting on the hairdryer to dry her hair quickly."
2
Informally, extremely intense or fast-moving.
"She's been on turbo mode all week trying to finish the project."
"We had a turbo morning, clearing the whole house before nine o'clock."
"His turbo pace at work left everyone else struggling to keep up."
How to use turbo
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOriginally referring to turbocharged engines, now used loosely to mean anything fast, intense, or amped-up.
Common pairings
turbo engine
turbo mode
turbo boost
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Word forms
- Plural
- turbos
- Third person singular
- turbos
- Past tense
- turboed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He upgraded to the _____ model for extra acceleration.
Etymology
Shortened from "turbocharged," describing the boost a turbocharger gives an engine.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “turbo” mean?
The word “turbo” means relating to or producing increased speed or power, especially via a turbocharger. In plain terms, originally referring to turbocharged engines, now used loosely to mean anything fast, intense, or amped-up.
How do you pronounce “turbo”?
“Turbo” is pronounced TUR-boh (/ˈtɝ.boʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “turbo” in a sentence?
Here is “turbo” used in a sentence: “He upgraded to the turbo model for extra acceleration.”
What part of speech is “turbo”?
“Turbo” is an adjective.
Is “turbo” a common word?
“Turbo” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “turbo” have?
“Turbo” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to or producing increased speed or power, especially via a turbocharger.
What is the difference between "turbo" and "turbocharged"?
"Turbo" is often used as a short, informal adjective covering the same idea as "turbocharged," describing something that produces increased speed or power via a turbocharger. "Turbocharged" is the fuller, more technical term, while "turbo" is common in casual or marketing language.
Can "turbo" describe things other than engines?
Yes. Informally, "turbo" is used to describe anything extremely intense or fast-moving, even outside of mechanical or automotive contexts, such as a "turbo" work schedule.
Is "turbo" a formal or informal word?
The extended sense meaning intense or fast-moving is informal, while the sense relating to turbochargers is standard technical usage found in engineering and automotive contexts.
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