Turkey red

American  

noun

1. a bright red produced in fabrics by madder, alizarin, or synthetic dyes.

2. cotton cloth of this color.

3. Adrianople red.

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Turkey red British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of Turkey red

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

In addition to the signature Turkey red, he had dozens in brown and gray and light blue, all stashed in the drawer some might reserve for underwear, at the top of his dresser.

From New York Times

The latter is preferred in England, from the long habit of using Dutch madder, which is of this color; but in France, the red sells at a higher price, being used for Turkey red die.

From Project Gutenberg

Hundreds of pieces after the rinsing are laid closely together to dry, indigo and turquoise blue, brown and purple madder, Turkey red and saffron predominating, a vile aniline colour showing itself here and there.

From Project Gutenberg

This he did by the simple process of removing his turban of Turkey red and his warm vest, the only covering he had for the upper portion of his body.

From Project Gutenberg

American manufacturers compete chiefly in drills, denims, blankets, prints, gray cloths, and bleached shirtings, while German goods imported consist chiefly of drills, prints, Turkey red yarns, blankets, and trimmings.

From Project Gutenberg