turkey

word

/ˈtɝki/
TUR-kee
/tˈɜːki/
TUR-kee

Definition

A turkey is a large bird often raised for meat, especially eaten on special holidays in some countries. “Turkey” can also mean the country called Türkiye, depending on context.

Usage & Nuances

Most commonly, this means the bird. In writing, lowercase “turkey” usually means the animal, while uppercase “Turkey” refers to the country. In informal American English, “a turkey” can also mean something that fails badly, such as a bad movie, but that use is less basic.

Example Sentences

That turkey is very big.

basic

I thought you meant Turkey the country, not turkey the bird.

natural

We ate turkey for dinner.

basic

We’re having turkey again this holiday, just like every year.

natural

She wants to visit Turkey next year.

basic

The movie was a total turkey, but we laughed the whole time.

natural