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Definition of madras

madras

/ˈmæd.rəs/
mad · ras
Plural:madrases
•
Adjective:madras
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madras Lexical Profile

madras Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A lightweight cotton fabric featuring brightly colored plaid, striped, or checked patterns, used especially for summer shirts, shorts, and dresses.

Example

"Breathable cotton madras is a popular fabric choice for warm-weather clothing."

2

(Capitalized) The former name (until 1996) of Chennai, a major port city on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal and the capital of Tamil Nadu state in southeastern India.

3

British (Often capitalized) A moderately hot to hot curry dish made with a rich, dark red sauce of tomatoes, chili powder, and aromatic spices.

Example

"We ordered a lamb madras with garlic naan and basmati rice from the local Indian restaurant."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for madras

• adjective

1

Made of or patterned like madras cotton fabric.

Example

"He wore a classic madras shirt with khaki shorts to the summer picnic."

2

(Of a dish or sauce) prepared in the style of a Madras curry, using a hot, richly spiced tomato-based sauce.

Example

"The menu features a rich madras sauce seasoned with toasted cumin, coriander, and chili powder."

• Nearby Words

madonna
madonna falls
madonna lily
madras
madrasa
madrassa
madre de dios

Word Origin & Etymology

Named after Madras (now officially Chennai), a major coastal city in southeastern India where the colorful cotton fabric was traditionally woven and exported.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Madras. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/madras
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