Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

turps

/tɝps/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 1.67 in modern English

Syllables: turps
IPA: /tɝps/

7

Scrabble Score

5

Letters

1

Syllables

5

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

Turpentine or turpentine substitute.

Informal; Uncountable

noun

Any alcoholic drink.

Australian usage; New Zealand usage; Slang; Uncountable

noun

Example Sentences

"‘No flamin’ good for anyone, wimmin. Leave ’em alone, I says. Stick to the old turps, I says.’"
"Generally, big nights on the turps take place in The Rocks and around Kings Cross — where you'll hear and smell the action pretty quickly."
"Crazy sessions on the turps were all part of the culture."
"She caught my eye, and called out, “Just showing off the studio. Keep the turps flowing.”"

Etymology

Clipping of turpentine + -s (diminutive suffix).

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /tɝps/
British English: /tɜːps/

Usage

Derived Forms

turpsy

Phrases

on the turps

Synonyms

turpentine oil of turpentine spirit of turpentine

Rhymes With

burps slurps

Questions

How do you pronounce turps?: The recorded pronunciation is /tɝps/.
What does turps mean?: Turpentine or turpentine substitute.
Where does turps come from?: Clipping of turpentine + -s (diminutive suffix).

How to pronounce turps

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “turps”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/tɝps/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “turps”.
Repeat and practice — Say “turps” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.