Turf

English Meaning

That upper stratum of earth and vegetable mold which is filled with the roots of grass and other small plants, so as to adhere and form a kind of mat; sward; sod.

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.
3. A piece cut from a layer of earth or sod.
4. A piece of peat that is burned for use as fuel.
5. Slang 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).
6. Slang A geographical area; a territory.
7. Slang The area claimed by a gang, as of youths, as its personal territory.
8. Sports A racetrack.
9. Sports The sport or business of racing horses.
10. To spread with turf: turfed the front yard.
11. Chiefly British Slang To displace or eject.
12. Slang To kill: "These guys can't . . . make sure nobody gets turfed” ( Scott Turow).