Definition

1. Noun:

   • A surface layer of ground containing a dense growth of grass and its roots: This is the primary meaning, referring to a piece of such grass-covered ground.
   • A territory or area of influence, activity, or control claimed by a particular person or group: Often used to describe the domain of a gang, organization, or bureaucracy.
   • Peat, especially when cut and dried for use as fuel: A less common meaning, referring to a type of soil formed from decaying plant matter.

2. Verb:

   • To cover an area of ground with turf: The action of laying down pieces of grass-covered soil.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Grass Layer):

  • The gardener carefully rolled out the new turf.
  • We sat on the soft turf to have our picnic.

• Noun (Territory/Influence):

  • The gang defended its turf fiercely.
  • The dispute was more about protecting departmental turf than solving the problem.

• Verb:

  • They decided to turf the entire backyard to create a lush lawn.

Advanced Usage

• "the turf": When used with the definite article, this can specifically refer to the world of horse racing, including the racetrack and the sport itself.
  • He has been a famous owner on the turf for decades.

Variants and Related Words

• Turfy (adj): Having the characteristics of turf; covered with or consisting of turf.
  • The turfy ground was soft underfoot.

Synonyms

• Noun (Grass Layer): Sod, grass, lawn.
• Noun (Territory): Domain, territory, bailiwick, preserve.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Turf out (verb, informal): To force someone to leave a place or a job; to eject or expel.
  • The bouncer turfed out the unruly patron.
  • He was turfed out of the club for starting a fight.

Related Idioms

• To defend one's turf: To protect one's area of control, responsibility, or influence from others.
  • Managers often spend too much time defending their turf instead of collaborating.

Noun

1. range of jurisdiction or influence
   • a bureaucracy...chiefly concerned with turf...and protecting the retirement system
2. the territory claimed by a juvenile gang as its own
3. surface layer of ground containing a mat of grass and grass roots

Verb

1. cover (the ground) with a surface layer of grass or grass roots