# Ankara

/ˈæŋkɝə/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ankara
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a type of stiff cotton fabric with a bright, all-over pattern. It is widely used in clothing and home decor across Africa and the Caribbean.

For teachers: a printed cotton cloth, typically with a vibrant, repeating geometric or floral design. Originating in Turkey but culturally central to West Africa, it is used for garments and furnishings.

## Examples

- She wore a beautiful dress made of ankara.
- The market stalls were filled with rolls of colorful ankara fabric ready for tailoring.
- The designer wove traditional ankara prints into the modern silhouette, creating a striking fusion of heritage and contemporary fashion.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.