Turkey Meaning and Definition
Turkey
Pronunciation
/ˈtɝːrkɪ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A bird of the family Phasianidae, native to the Middle East and Asia, with a distinctive gobbling call and a crest on its head.
Etymology
The word “Turkey” comes from the Medieval Latin term “Turchia,” which referred to the Byzantine Empire. Over time, the term became associated with the bird.
Usage Notes
The word “Turkey” can be used to refer to the country, the bird, or the dish made from the bird’s meat.
Cultural References
“Turkey” has appeared in various forms of media, including literature (example: “The Turkey” by O. Henry), music (example: “The Turkey Trot”), and film (example: “Airplane!”).
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Lame duck” (a politician with little power or influence, like a cooked turkey)
- “The big cheese” (an important person, like the head turkey hen)
Related Words or Phrases
- Chicken
- Pheasant
- Gobbler
Collocations
- “Turkey on Thanksgiving”
- “Turkey at Christmas”
Frequency of Use
The word “Turkey” is commonly used in everyday language, especially around holidays like Thanksgiving.
Common Misspellings
- Turkeye
- Turkery