turf (tûrf)
n., pl., turfs, also turves (tûrvz).

1. 1. A surface layer of earth containing a dense growth of grass and its matted roots; sod.
   2. An artificial substitute for such a grassy layer, as on a playing field.
2. A piece cut from a layer of earth or sod.
3. A piece of peat that is burned for use as fuel.
4. Slang.
   1. The range of the authority or influence of a person, group, or thing; a bailiwick: "a bureaucracy ... concerned with turf, promotions, the budget, and protecting the retirement system" (Harper's).
   2. A geographical area; a territory.
   3. The area claimed by a gang, as of youths, as its personal territory.
5. Sports.
   1. A racetrack.
   2. The sport or business of racing horses.

tr.v., turfed, turf·ing, turfs.

1. To spread with turf: turfed the front yard.
2. Chiefly British Slang. To displace or eject.
3. Slang. To kill: "These guys can't . . . make sure nobody gets turfed" (Scott Turow).

[Middle English, from Old English.]

turfy turf'y adj.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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