'turnstone' originates from English, specifically a compound of the words 'turn' and 'stone', where 'turn' meant 'to turn over' and 'stone' meant 'stone'.

'turnstone' developed from earlier English compound formations combining the verb 'turn' (Old/Middle English roots meaning to turn over) with 'stone' (Old English 'stān'), and by Early Modern English it was used as the name for the bird now called 'turnstone'.

Initially, the term referred to the bird noted for turning over stones to find food, and that core meaning has been retained; later the word also acquired a figurative sense referring to a person who frequently changes allegiance or occupation.