a light cotton fabric of various weaves, especially one in multicolored plaid or stripes, used for shirts, dresses, jackets, etc.
a thin curtain fabric of a light, gauzelike weave with figures of heavier yarns.
a large, brightly colored kerchief, of silk or cotton, often used for turbans.
a strong fine cotton or silk fabric, usually with a woven stripe
( as modifier )
madras cotton
something made of this, esp a scarf
a medium-hot curry
chicken madras
the former official name of Chennai
the former name (until 1968) for the state of Tamil Nadu
First recorded in 1825–35; named after Madras
Madras is a type of cotton cloth that's patterned with a colorful plaid design. If you're headed to a preppy country club, you might want to wear your favorite madras shorts. Madras is a fabric that's commonly worn during the warmest months and can be spotted in the form of golfers' pants, men's summer jackets, and women's sundresses. This distinctive cloth is named for the place it was originally made, the Indian city once called Madras, which is known today as Chennai.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Spice-battered hake, triple-cooked chips in a madras salt, spiced dahl mushy peas, served with a mango and tomato ketchup and coriander and lime vinegar and a rum and pickled egg cocktail.
From BBC • Sep. 9, 2023
Priming for summer found some “Real” madras shorts!
From Seattle Times • May 17, 2022
Baldwin's Madras curry powder is a star-stellar addition in her personal recipe for madras curry apple doughnut muffins.
From Salon • Dec. 11, 2021
Tartan, tattersall and glen plaids evoke a refined and masculine feel, perfect for a formal living room or study, while madras has a casual association that can set the tone for a more laid-back space.
From Washington Post • Jan. 11, 2021
On his way up the steps he encountered Bud Gleason, decked out in a madras sport coat and bow tie, coming down and Onofre tipped his cowboy hat good day with his invisible arm.
From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
