The word "turf" primarily refers to a surface of soil held together by the roots of grass and other plants. It can denote both the grass itself and the area of land covered by it. In a broader sense, "turf" can also refer to territory or a specific area controlled by someone, often used in a competitive context, such as in sports or business.
The word "turf" originates from the Old English word "turf," which means "a tuft or clod of earth." It has connections to various languages, including Middle Dutch "torf" and Old Norse "torf," both referring to similar concepts related to earth or soil.