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Definition of turps

turps

/tɝːps/
turps
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turps Lexical Profile

turps Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An informal term for turpentine or a mineral spirit used as a solvent and paint thinner.

Example

"The artist used a rag soaked in turps to clean the oil paint from her brushes."

2

Australian Alcoholic liquor, especially beer or cheap spirits (slang, also used in New Zealand).

Example

"After finishing the shearing season, the workers headed to the local pub for a few nights on the turps."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for turps

• Rhymes for turps

• Nearby Words

turntable
turnup
turpentine
turps
turquoise
turret
turreted

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the early 19th century as a colloquial clipping of "turpentine" with the informal suffix "-s." The Australian and New Zealand slang sense of alcoholic drink arose in the late 19th century as a humorous allusion to the harshness of cheap liquor.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Turps. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/turps
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