Turkey red

noun

1. a bright red produced in fabrics by madder, alizarin, or synthetic dyes.
2. cotton cloth of this color.
3. Adrianople red.

Turkey red

noun

1. 1. a moderate or bright red colour
   2. ( as adjective )

      a Turkey-red fabric

2. a cotton fabric of a bright red colour

Word History and Origins

Origin of Turkey red¹

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

He opened the trade room and selected three bolts of turkey red cloth, a few knives, two cases of tobacco, and a fine small ax.

From Project Gutenberg

We held up various tempting trade goods, including a calico known as Turkey-red, bottles of beads, etc.

From Project Gutenberg

And I can see the wallpaper and the Turkey-red cotton curtains.

From Project Gutenberg

She covered her chairs with Turkey-red cotton, frilling them round the seats.

From Project Gutenberg

The town has still its great shipbuilding industry, its shipping trade, and its foundries and turkey-red and other manufactories.

From Project Gutenberg