William Wadden Turner (October 23, 1810 – November 29, 1859) was an English-born American philologist and librarian.

Turner was born in London, England, October 23, 1810; died in Washington, D.C., 29 November 29, 1859.

In order to superintend the printing of these books, Turner removed to New Haven, as the only sufficient supply of oriental type was to be found there and at Andover.

In 1842 he was elected professor of oriental literature in Union Theological Seminary, New York City, and he continued in that office until 1852, when he was called to Washington by the commissioner of patents to take charge of the library of that department.

He was a member of the American Oriental Society, and secretary of the National Institute for the Promotion of Science.