star turn: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
mediuminformal
Quick answer
What does “star turn” mean?
The main performance or act by a prominent entertainer in a show.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The main performance or act by a prominent entertainer in a show.
Any person or thing that is the focal point or highlight of an event or situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning; used similarly in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more theatrical in connotation, often associated with British music hall or variety shows.
Frequency
More frequently used in British English, but understood in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “star turn” in a Sentence
as [det] star turn[det] star turn of [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; might refer to a key presentation or product launch.
Academic
Not commonly used; primarily in performance studies or cultural analysis.
Everyday
Used to describe someone or something that is the highlight of an event, e.g., 'Her speech was the star turn of the conference.'
Technical
In the entertainment industry, refers to a specific performance slot by a star performer.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “star turn”
- Using 'star turn' as a verb, e.g., 'He star turned yesterday.' Correct: 'He gave a star turn.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can be used metaphorically in other contexts to refer to the highlight or main attraction.
No, 'star turn' is a noun phrase; the verb form would be 'star' as in 'to star in a show.'
It originates from variety theatre and music hall, where 'turn' means a performance act, and 'star' indicates a prominent performer.
You can use it as in 'She gave a star turn at the concert,' meaning she was the main attraction.
The main performance or act by a prominent entertainer in a show.
Star turn is usually informal in register.
Star turn: in British English it is pronounced /stɑː tɜːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /stɑr tɜrn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “steal the show”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a star in the sky taking a turn on stage; it's the main act that shines brightly.
Conceptual Metaphor
CENTER OF ATTENTION IS A STAR PERFORMANCE
Practice
Quiz
What does 'star turn' typically refer to?