# madras

/ˈmædɹəs/ (US) · /mədɹˈɑːs/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. a spicy curry

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a fairly hot and spicy curry dish, usually served in Indian restaurants.

For teachers: a style of curry characterized by a significant level of heat and a reddish color, typically associated with British Indian restaurant cuisine.

- He ordered a chicken madras because he wanted something spicier than a korma.
- The chef prepared a traditional beef madras, balancing the intense heat of the chillies with a hint of lemon and fresh coriander.

Usage: Often used as a countable noun to refer to the dish itself or as an uncountable noun for the style of cooking.

Teaching tip: While named after the city in India, this specific style of curry is largely a creation of British Indian restaurants and is not a traditional dish found in Chennai.

### 2. a checked fabric

noun · CEFR C1 · American English

a light cotton cloth with a colorful pattern of squares or stripes.

For teachers: a lightweight cotton fabric, typically featuring a multicolored checked or plaid pattern.

- He wore a bright madras shirt to the summer garden party.
- The designer's spring collection featured several jackets tailored from authentic madras, emphasizing the fabric's breathable texture and vibrant checks.

Usage: Commonly used as an attributive noun before 'shirt', 'shorts', or 'fabric'.

Teaching tip: In the United States, this term is strongly associated with 'preppy' summer fashion and traditional Ivy League style.

## Examples

- I ordered a chicken madras for dinner because I like spicy food.
- The restaurant's madras is known for its intense heat and rich, tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with plain rice.
- While milder curries rely on cream or coconut milk for texture, a madras derives its character from a sharp acidity and a significant quantity of dried red chilies.

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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.